Lady Tigers earn fifth consecutive Western Division Title

HOUSTON, Texas – Texas Southern University was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division Champions on Friday afternoon after defeating Grambling State University in a doubleheader at Memorial Park 6-0 in game one and 8-4 in the night cap.

TSU followed up those victories with a thrilling 7-5 win on Senior Day with a walk-off three run homerun by senior Brianna Parker. 

The Lady Tigers have now claimed their fifth consecutive western division title. Last year, Texas Southern defeated the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a three-game series to win the division crown.

In game one against GSU, Texas Southern secured the first two runs in the second inning with stellar play from Chanler Powell and Krystalani Yockman. Jessica Miller grabbed the Lady Tigers' third run in the third frame, followed by runs from pinch runners Tiffany Marshall, Precious Alvizo and Danya Rogers, which closed the game, 6-0.

Madison Staton was credited the win, only allowing one hit during the first game of the doubleheader. After facing 25 batters, she tallied three strikeouts and only three walks.

Texas Southern won the second game of the series behind solid defense and hitting. Texas Southern's Jasmine Fulmore and Sammantha Jimenez combined to toss six strikeouts while only giving up six walks after seeing a total of 35 batters.

TSU's Miller collected a game-high three runs, while Thomasina Garza hit a game-high three RBI in game two.

In the series finale TSU rallied from down by two runs with a huge hit from Parker in the bottom of the seventh innings. She sent a homerun over the left field fence to end the game in TSU's favor. 

The Lady Tigers now hold a conference record of 14-3 going into the SWAC Tournament. #1 Texas Southern will face #4 Alabama A&M to open tournament play on Wednesday, March 6, at 5:30 pm at Wilson Morgan Park in Decatur, Ala.