COVINGTON, GA.| The Jackson State Tigers put together a valiant performance on Friday, but ultimately came up short, losing to the N.C. A&T Aggies by the score of 5-3.

Freshman Sofia Gonzalez (0-1) got the ball to start for Jackson State (4-1) and took the loss.

In the batter's box, the Tigers were paced by junior Mari Stephens, who went 2-for-2 on the day with two RBI. Freshman Kaliyah Gibson put together a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 2-for-3.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Tigers got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning. Jackson State managed to push across two runs in the inning.

The Aggies then rallied to score four runs and take a 4-2 lead before the Tigers got back on the board in the third. Jackson State scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Stephens, which brought the score to 4-3 in favor of the Aggies. The Tigers were unable to get any closer, as N.C. A&T added one run to their tally on the way to a 5-3 final.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

» Jackson State's highest-scoring inning was the first when it pushed two runs across.
» Both senior Jalia Hubbard and Stephens stole two bases in Friday's game.
» The Tigers stole five bases as a team.
» Jackson State pitchers faced 26 N.C. A&T hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out one.
» Stephens led the Tigers at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two RBI.
» N.C. A&T was led offensively by freshman Jamari Moss, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
» Freshman Kaya Douglas led the Aggies pitching staff, throwing seven innings of three-run ball.