The Tennessee State softball team defeated Western Illinois 20-9 on April 20 at Tiger Field, closing out the Ohio Valley Conference series with a run-rule win.
The result marks one of the most significant offensive performances for Tennessee State this season. The Tigers’ strong showing allowed them to secure their highest run total of the year and finish the series on a positive note.
Courtney Richardson earned the win in relief for Tennessee State, providing steady innings as her teammates delivered at the plate. After Western Illinois scored an early run, JaKeyla McDaniel and Jasmine Blackburn reached base to set up Jace Jackson’s two-run triple, giving TSU its first lead. Hailey Hunt followed with an RBI single and Dani James added another hit to cap a four-run first inning.
In the second inning, Tennessee State broke open the game by scoring 14 runs. Jackson added another RBI hit, Hunt drove in two more with a triple, and Alexis Woods contributed an RBI single. Mariyah Brown recorded a three-RBI double while Noelani Wilkerson brought home two runs with a single. The Tigers continued aggressive baserunning and consistent contact throughout their lineup.
Jackson finished with three hits and three RBI; Hunt had three hits and four RBI; Woods went perfect at the plate with three hits and two RBI; Wilkerson collected three RBI as well. Defensively, Richardson limited opportunities for Western Illinois after entering in relief.
Tennessee State will host SIUE next weekend at Tiger Field for Senior Weekend, beginning Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m., continuing later that day at 3:30 p.m., and concluding Sunday afternoon as they honor their senior class.
