GULFPORT, Miss.| The Jackson State softball team took a 1-0 lead in the first inning and never trailed from there on the way to a 3-1 victory over the Florida A&M to claim its first SWAC Tournament title in 13 years on 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 (33-17). The went seven innings, giving up one run on eight hits, allowing one walk and striking out three.

In the batter's box, the Tigers were paced by Kristina Carlson, who went 3-for-3 on the day with an RBI. Mari Stephens compiled a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a triple. Meah Almaraz also helped out for Jackson State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Jackson State (33-17) got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning.
• The Tigers got an RBI single from Jace Jackson, scoring Stephens from third base.
• FAMU then tied the ballgame at one before the Tigers came back to reclaim their advantage in the fourth inning.
• JSU scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Carlson, which brought the score to 2-1 in favor of the Tigers.
• Jackson State held Florida A&M scoreless before building their lead to 3-1 in the sixth inning.
• The Tigers recorded a run when Samiyyah Huckabee drew a walk that scored senior Jalia Hubbard.
• The score remained 3-1 for the rest of the game, as Jackson State held on for the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Carlson compiled three base knocks in the game for Jackson State.
• Jackson State's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed one run across.
• JSU grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top half of the first and didn't surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
• The Tigers out-hit the Rattlers a 10-8 clip.
• Jackson State went 4-for-10 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
• JSU's pitchers limited Florida A&M to just 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
• Jackson State pitchers faced 29 Florida A&M hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out three.
•  Carlson led the Tigers at the plate, going 3-for-3 with an RBI.
• Florida A&M was led offensively by junior Brianna Duggins, who went 3-for-3.
• Smith led the Rattlers pitching staff, throwing 5.2 innings of two-run ball.

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