LAFAYETTE, La. – Jackson State softball came up just short at the opening day of the UL-Lafayette Tournament. Stephen F. Austin defeated the Lady Tigers 7-3 and Louisiana-Lafayette topped the Blue and White 9-0.
 
Stephen F. Austin 7, Jackson State 3
 
The Lady Tigers fell in an early 6-0 hole, however, added three runs in the top of the fifth inning to bring the squad back within striking distance.
 
Sophomore Marlisa Scott put JSU on board with a 2 RBI right center field. Junior Ariana Cruz followed that with a SAC bunt to push across another run.
 
Junior Sierra Smith batted 2-for-3 with one double.
 
Sophomore Kayla Owens started and was tagged with the loss. Owens tossed five innings and allowed 13 hits, seven runs and two walks and struck out three batters.
 
Freshman Leah Hopson entered in relief and tossed an inning of scoreless ball.
 
Louisiana-Lafayette 9, Jackson State 0
 
Destyn Jones tosses three innings and scattered seven hits, allowed eight runs (four earned) and six walks and fanned a pair of batters.
 
The Lady Tigers return to the diamond Saturday vs. Austin Peay.