GULFPORT, Miss. – The Jackson State never trailed on the way to a 3-1 victory over the Florida A&M to claim its first SWAC Tournament title in 13 years Friday afternoon.
Jace Jackson was named SWAC Tournament MVP, while Mari Stephens, Julie Lopez, Ka’Liyah Gipson and Victoria Salazar were tabbed All-Tournament team
Sofia Gonzalez got the win for Jackson State in the circle. She went seven innings, giving up one run on eight hits, allowing one walk and striking out three.
The Tigers were paced by Kristina Carlson, who went 3-for-3 on the day with an RBI. Stephens compiled a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a triple. Meah Almaraz also had two hits in four trips to the plate.
With the SWAC title, JSU (33-17) earned the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA Div. I Softball Championship Tournament.
During Sunday’s May 12 Selection Show on ESPN2, Jackson State was placed in the Baton Rouge Regional and will play at host, No. 1 seed and No. 9 nationally LSU (40-15) at 6 p.m. CT Friday in the NCAA tournament.
Jackson State will face either Southern Illinois or California in the second game of the regional, which uses a double-elimination format.
SWAC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Biviana Figueroa, PVAMU; Kohana Pousson, Jaeda Gardner, Alexia Denby, ASU;
Nyah Morgan,Zoryana Hughes, Mia Blasingane, FAMU; Victoria Salazar, Mari Ste- phens, Jace Jackson, Julie Lopez, Kaliyah Gipson, JSU;
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Jace Jackson, JSU
