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GSU softball loses Prairie View

The Grambling State softball team had it’s season ended by arch rivals Prairie View A&M Panthers, as the Panthers held off the Tigers 9-6 Friday. The Lady Tigers have no reason to hold their heads down, as they made their first postseason appearance in seven years. This was a vast improvement from the 3-35 season from a year ago.

GSU’s offense was mostly non-existent. They only scored two runs in six innings. However, in the last inning, the Tigers sparked fire scoring four runs to make it a 6-9 game. In the end Grambling’s offense went cold again allowing the Panthers to win the game.

On the mound, pitcher Patrice Bailey (1-10) allowed four runs in two innings pitched. Also, Viveca Patterson pitched 4 innings, giving up 6 hits and 5 runs.

On the offensive end, the Tigers were lead by second baseman Deanean Woods, who scored two runs, third baseman Laquisha Wood, who had one hit and scored once. Center fielder Rosanna Alvarado also pitched in with two hits and a RBI.

Despite Grambling’s late run, Prairie View was in control the majority of this game.
On the mound for the Panthers was Rebecca Martinez (9-11) as she pitched seven innings, gaving up ten hits and six runs.

Offsensively, the Panthers were led by, center fielder Keisha Hagerman, who had 3 runs and two RBI’s. Second baseman Amberly Fuller chipped in with 2 hits and a run.

This was a very successful season for GSU softball, even though they were eliminated in the first round. The tigers improved in several categories.

On offense, their batting average jumped from last years .159 to a .235. They also had 171 hits and 232 runs, compared to last years 33 runs and 91 hits.

The Defense improved dramaticly from a season ago. Their ERA was 15.03 last year and this year it was 6.42. Opponents batting average went down from .424 to .324.

Next year’s team will compete for a SWAC title. As you can see, Coach Early is a very good softball coach, he has improved every season since he has been at the helm of the program.

He has a very good young talented team, with the return of SWAC Freshmen of the year, third baseman LaQuisha Wood and the addition of other players that can contribute, the Tigers have a reasonable chance.

This team must improve their pitching and their record against non-conference opponents. If GSU can do these things, then they have a very good shot of winning a SWAC title.