MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Tuskegee softball put together an impressive Saturday at the HBCU Softball Classic, defeating Claflin University, 9-3, before closing the day with a 5-2 victory over Division I opponent Alcorn State at Lagoon Park.
With the pair of wins, the Golden Tigers improved to 8-4 on the season and will close the weekend Sunday against host Alabama State.
Tuskegee 9, Claflin 3
Tuskegee jumped on Claflin early and never looked back in the opening contest. The Golden Tigers struck in the bottom of the first inning when
Kenya Tatum homered to right center for a three-run shot, scoring
Alarryn Beckley and
Tamiya Martin to take an early 3-0 lead.
Claflin answered in the fifth inning to trim the deficit to 3-1, but Tuskegee delivered its biggest inning of the game in the bottom half of the frame. After capitalizing on a Claflin error to extend the inning, Tanea Gibbons doubled to left center to drive in a run.
Addy Peaden followed with a two-run home run to left field, and
Kaitlyn Fletcher later added a solo homer as Tuskegee erupted for five runs in the inning to build an 8-1 advantage.
Claflin plated two runs in the sixth, but Tuskegee responded in the bottom half when Ava Mearedith singled to center to score Beckley and extend the lead to 9-2. Claflin added a solo homer in the seventh, but
Monica Rose closed the door to secure the win.
Tuskegee finished with eight hits in the victory, highlighted by home runs from Tatum, Peaden, and Fletcher.
Taneah Gibbons added a key double, while Beckley and Tatum each scored twice.
Monica Rose earned the complete-game victory in the circle, tossing seven innings and allowing three runs while scattering seven hits.
Claflin recorded seven hits in the contest and was led offensively by timely extra-base hits, including a home run in the seventh inning.
Tuskegee 5, Alcorn State 2
In the nightcap, Tuskegee faced Division I opponent Alcorn State and again used timely hitting and strong pitching to secure the victory.
Tuskegee struck first in the top of the first inning when Tatum singled through the left side to score Martin for a 1-0 lead. After Alcorn tied the game in the bottom half of the inning, the Golden Tigers regained control in the third inning. Following a defensive miscue by Alcorn State, Beckley reached base and later scored on a passed ball to make it 2-1. Paeden then delivered an RBI single up the middle to plate Meredith and push the lead to 4-1.
Alcorn State answered with a run in the fifth inning to cut the deficit to 4-2, but Tuskegee added an insurance run in the sixth when Meredith advanced on a passed ball and Beckley came home to make it 5-2.
Jordan Garcia was dominant in the circle for Tuskegee, tossing a complete game and limiting the Braves to two runs on seven hits. She kept Alcorn off balance throughout, stranding multiple runners in scoring position to preserve the lead.
Offensively, Tuskegee collected eight hits in the win. Martin and Beckley each recorded multi-hit performances, while Peaden, Meredith, and Tatum drove in key runs. Alcorn State managed seven hits of its own but was unable to capitalize consistently against Garcia's steady pitching.
With the sweep, Tuskegee showcased both power and poise against conference and Division I competition.
Up Next
The Golden Tigers will close the HBCU Classic on Sunday with a matchup against host Alabama State at 3 p.m.
How to Follow the Golden Tigers: For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Softball, visit
GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on
Twitter,
Instagram and
Facebook.
