Tigers Split Day Two of 901 Classic

Saturday, March 2

Memphis, Tenn.

1:30 PM

University of Memphis

3-13

Jackson State

10-5

Jackson State

Memphis

Mar 02, 2024 | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

By: Delaney Golden

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis softball team split day two of the 901 Classic, defeating Jackson State 4-1 before dropping the final game of the day to UT Martin 5-2 at Tiger Softball Complex.

The Tigers (3-14) tallied their third straight win against Jackson State to kick off their Saturday afternoon play. McKaylee Polk put together a strong showing for Memphis in the game, going 2-for-3 with one run and an RBI. Taniyah Brown held firm in the circle, giving up two hits through seven innings worked.

"In game one, I thought we did a good job fighting and finding ways to get some extra runs. Thought we played solid defense and offense came through when we needed runs," head coach Stephanie VanBrakle Prothro said. "In game two, we had plenty of opportunities to tie or win the game, we just needed that one hit to break it open. We had a lot of quality at bats which is something we have been asking more of from the team. Now we just need to find ways to come up with the big hit when we need it. We will continue to learn from these moments and use it as growth opportunities."

Memphis 4, Jackson State 1

HOW IT HAPPENED

•       Jackson State struck first when Mari Stephens reached home as Memphis turned a double play in the top of the third inning, taking a 1-0 lead.
•       Khamiyah Brown doubled down the left field line sending LaNya Bates in to even the score, along with advancing Madison Berner in the bottom of the third frame. On the next play, Berner reached home on an error by Jackson State putting Memphis in the lead 2-1.
•       In the top of the sixth inning, Jackson State had the bases loaded, but left all runners stranded as Beija Allen grounded out to third base.
•       Polk ran in for Memphis on an error by Jackson State in the bottom of the sixth frame, adding to the lead. Arianna Cox-Cole fired off a shot to left field, sending in Francesca Lumpp to add another run.

NOTABLES

•       The Tigers recorded nine hits: Marley Maness, Presley Morris, Bates, Brown, Adebayo, Cox-Cole, Polk and Berner.
•       Polk went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
•       Taniyah Brown got the start in the circle going the full 7.0 innings and recorded seven strikeouts in route to her second win of the season.

UT Martin 5, Memphis 2

HOW IT HAPPENED

•       UT Martin got on the board first as Kaci Fuller reached home on a sacrifice fly from Maddi Long in the top of the first frame.
•       The Skyhawks continued to add to their lead as Anna Blanton blasted an RBI triple in the top of the second inning allowing Avry Blume in for the score. Fuller recorded another shot up the middle sending Blanton home to make the score 3-0.
•       In the bottom of the second, Cox-Cole singled deep into right field, sending in Maness and Adebayo to cut the lead to 3-2.
•       The Skyhawks extended their lead with a home run by Kiersten Nixon in the top of the fourth inning.
•       The bats stayed hot for the Skyhawks as Fuller fired a triple in the top of the fifth inning. Alli Robinson stepped up to the plate and singled to left field sending Fuller in bringing the score to 5-2.
•       In the bottom of the seventh inning, Adebayo and Maness both made it on base, however the Tigers were unable to capitalize.

NOTABLES

•       Seven Tigers recorded hits: Kennedy Semien, Polk, Berner, Morris, Adebayo Maness, and Cox-Cole
•       Polk recorded her third double of the season early in the bottom of the first inning.
•       Rylee Dugar got the start in the circle going 6.0 innings and recorded one strikeout. Abigail Morgan came in as relief for 1.0 inning and recorded one strikeout.


UP NEXT

•       The Tigers will close out the 901 Classic Sunday against Jackson State at 1:30 p.m. at Tiger Softball Complex.

How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram , and Facebook.