JACKSON – Jackson State softball defeated Mississippi Valley State 6-4 and clinched a spot in the 2019 SWAC Softball Tournament. It's the first time since 2015 the Lady Tigers qualified for the postseason tournament.
 
Sierra Smith put JSU (12-34, 7-11 SWAC) on board in the bottom of the third inning with a two-run home run to left field.
 
MVSU (10-31, 5-12 SWAC) managed to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the fifth inning. JSU reclaimed the lead in the bottom half of the inning behind Kayla Owens RBI single that found its way through the right side.
 
Later in the inning and at her only at-bat, Yasmin Melero pounded a 3-run home run to left field and the Blue and White led 6-2.
 
Destyn Jones started and earned the no-decision. Jones threw 4.1 innings and allowed one hit, two runs and walked four batters. She also induced seven ground outs and six popups.
 
Owens entered in relief and earned the win. The sophomore tossed 2.2 innings and scattered five hits and allowed two runs and one walk and fanned two batters.
 
Smith also finished 2-for-3, walked once and scored a run. Madelyn Prukop batted 2-for-4 and scored a run, while Kaitlyn Elzie finished 2-for-3.
 
The SWAC tournament begins May 8 and will be played at Alabama State University in Montgomery.