GULFPORT, Miss. – Victoria Guzman delivered a stellar performance in the pitcher's circle Thursday morning helping Bethune-Cookman defeat Texas Southern by a score of 2-0 in an elimination game at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Softball Tournament housed at Gulfport Sportsplex.
 
Bethune-Cookman (19-30) defeated Texas Southern for the second time in three days, as graduate left-hander Victoria Guzman posted a quality start inside the circle for the Wildcats.
 
The Wildcats got to the Tigers in the bottom of the first when leadoff hitter Haley Parks singled to left and stole second to work her way into scoring position right from the start. With the bases loaded and one out, second baseman Desirae Martinez recorded a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Parks for the 1-0 lead.
 
Texas Southern (16-25) tripled to right center in the top of the second, but Guzman came back with a strikeout and a foul out to retire the side and keep the scoreboard clean.
 
BCU got a much-needed insurance run in the home-half of the fourth.
 
A Martinez single through the left side set the stage for Essence Gibbs to pinch run at first. Gibbs stole second on the next pitch to work her way into scoring position, as shortstop Kayla Traylor registered an RBI single passed the glove of Texas Southern pitcher Jazmine Gendorf, plating Gibbs for the 2-0 Wildcats advantage.
 
The Tigers threatened in the top of the seventh, as sophomore pitcher Halyne Gonzalez entered the game with a runner on first. The Norwalk, California native would retire the next three batters in order to earn the save – her first of the season.
 
Guzman collected the win to improve to 4-12 on the season, as she worked six frames, scattering four hits, two walks and recording five strikeouts. The loss went to Texas Southern right-hander Gendorf, ending her season with a record of 7-8, as she tossed six innings with two runs allowed (one earned) on five hits, one walk and a game-high six strikeouts.
 
Catcher Destinee Dixon paced the Tigers offensively with a 2-for-2 showing at the plate. Daryn Haslem and Madison Battle collected the other two hits for the Tigers, respectively.
 
BCU was led at the dish by five Wildcats with a hit apiece, including Martinez with an RBI single, as well as Parks with a run scored.
 
Bethune-Cookman now awaits the winner of Thursday's second elimination game between Alcorn and Alabama State. Game time is set for 6 p.m. CT.
 
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