GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State University softball used a sixth inning RBI double from Ta'Mya Johnson to inch past Southern for a series opening 5-4 victory on Friday afternoon at the GSU Softball Complex.
The win improved Grambling State to 21-12-1 overall, 7-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Johnson and Deija Russell paced the Lady tigers at the plate, with both players going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Johnson added a double and a triple to her stat line, while Russell notched one extra base hit.
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first, Cadashia Collins ripped a two RBI double to left centerfield, giving GSU a 2-1 lead over SU.
In the third inning, Russell got things cooking with a one-out triple to right centerfield. Anaiyah Fultz brought Russell into score, shooting a single into centerfield, making it 3-1 Lady Tigers.
Southern (7-23, 4-6) scored a run in the top of the fourth to cut the lead to one, but Grambling State answered back quickly in the bottom of the frame. Following leadoff triple by Johnson, Russell's RBI single made it 4-2.
The Lady Jaguars charged back in the sixth inning when Anabella Valadez hit two-run homer to straightaway center field, tying the game 4-4.
GSU once again answered the call in the bottom of the inning. Nyah jones led off with a single up the middle. Grambling State opted to put speed on base, entering Asli Storzier a pinch hitter. The move paid off for the Lady Tigers as Stormier stole second and third. With one away, Johnson smacked a double to the left centerfield wall, bring Stormier into to score and putting the Lady Tigers back in front, 5-4.
Relief Pitcher Dacia Richard entered the game the game for Grambling State in the seventh inning and shut the door on Southern, getting a 1-2-3 inning and preserving the win.
Erin Gibbs (7-2) got the start in the circle for GSU, earning her seventh win of the year. She tossed six innings, allowing four runs, three earned, on six hits. She also struck out three batters and issues one walk.
Up Next
Grambling State continues it's series with Southern on Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 1;30 p.m. at the GSU Softball Complex.
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