GRAMBLING, La. | Tayler Lenz-Selvera belted a grand slam to highlight a five-run third inning, but the Grambling State University softball team could not hold on in a 9-5 loss to Louisiana Tech on Wednesday afternoon at the GSU Softball Complex.
 
How It Happened
Louisiana Tech (27-9) plated a run in the top of the first inning, but Grambling State (14-15) answered with a five-run third inning.
 
Asli Strozier opened the frame with a walk and advanced to second when Kenyshae Beasley reached on an error. Both runners advanced a base on a McKenzie Johnson sacrifice bunt. With two outs, Rikkelle Miller struck out swinging, but took first on an error by the catcher as Strozier scored from third. Tia Coleman walked to load the bases and Lenz-Selvera smacked the first pitch she saw from Louisiana Tech starter Zoe Hicks deep over the center field wall for the grand slam, which gave the Lady Tigers a 5-1 lead.
 
The Lady Techsters plated one run in the fourth and three in the fifth to tie the game and took the 9-5 advantage on a grand slam homer by Jazlyn Crowder.
 
Inside the Numbers
> Grambling State, which continues to seek its first-ever win against Louisiana Tech, finished with five runs on just one hit, committed one error and left three on base
> Ja'Lynn Bonner started in the circle and gave up five runs on eight hits and walked four in 5.1 innings pitched
>D'Maria Matthers (9-7) took the loss in 1.2 innings of relief
> Louisiana Tech finished with nine runs on 12 hits, committed two errors and stranded five on base
> Jazlyn Crowder paced the La. Tech offense by going 3-for-4, with six RBIs and two runs scored
> Zoe Hicks started and lasted 3.1 innings. She surrendered five unearned runs on one hit, with three strikeouts and two walks
> Preslee Gallaway earned the victory in 3.2 innings of relief
 
Up Next
Grambling State steps back into Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play this weekend with a three-game series at Texas Southern. First pitch on Friday is set for 3 p.m. at Memorial Park in Houston, Texas.
 
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