GULFPORT, Miss. | Grambling State opened the 2025 SWAC Softball Tournament with a strong performance but ultimately fell 3-2 in nine innings to Florida A&M on Tuesday afternoon at the Gulfport Sportsplex. 

Despite holding an early lead and a complete-game effort from freshman pitcher Audrey Richardson, the Lady Tigers couldn't hold off a late rally from the Rattlers.

With the loss, Grambling State dropped to 17-29 overall and will continue tournament play in the elimination bracket.

Grambling grabbed early momentum, scoring in the second inning on a clutch RBI single by Deija Russell to bring home Z'Natria Evans. 

In the fourth, Kayliana Cash came in as a pinch runner, stole second, and scored on a base hit by Christalyn Higgins, putting the Tigers ahead 2-0.

Florida A&M responded with a run in the bottom of the fourth and tied the game 2-2 in the sixth via a bases-loaded walk. 

Both teams threatened in extra innings, but the Rattlers broke through in the ninth with a walk-off single to escape with the win.

Audrey Richardson (7-10) was outstanding in the circle, going 8.2 innings and throwing 138 pitches. She allowed 12 hits, three earned runs, and walked three while striking out two.

At the plate, Grambling recorded nine hits. Ahsunte' Specks, Kamryn Broussard, and Higgins each had two hits, with Broussard adding a double and Higgins collecting an RBI and a stolen base.

The Tigers left 10 runners on base and came inches away from taking control in the fifth, seventh, and ninth innings, but timely hits proved elusive down the stretch.






UP NEXT

Grambling State moves into the elimination bracket and will face No. 2 seed Texas Southern on Wednesday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gulfport Sportsplex.








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