GULFPORT, Miss. – Bethune-Cookman scored three runs in the first inning Thursday morning, as the Wildcats defeated Texas Southern 3-1 in an elimination game of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Softball Tournament at Gulfport Sportsplex. In the win, Bethune-Cookman avenges a 6-2 loss to Texas Southern from the opening game of the tournament on Tuesday.
 
Bethune-Cookman (20-31) used an early offensive explosion with three runs in the opening half-inning.
 
With the bases loaded and one out, left fielder Brooklyn Scott delivered an RBI ground out to shortstop, moving in leadoff hitter Essence Gibbs after the BCU right fielder singled down the third base line at the top of the order. On the ensuing play, Briana Velazquez continued her hot tournament with a two-run scoring single up the middle allowing Joslynn Davis and Joyce Bloome to score for the 3-0 BCU lead.
 
Starting for the third consecutive game of the tournament, BCU pitcher Halyne Gonzalez and the Wildcats defense went 18 consecutive innings without allowing a run extending from the final two innings of Tuesday's tournament -opener.
 
Texas Southern (21-19) would finally get on the board in the home-half of the sixth inning.
 
Karisma Garcia singled from the leadoff spot, before Madison Battle pinch ran for the third baseman. A Deana Zuniga fielder's choice saw Wildcats second baseman Jessica Alaan fire a frozen rope to catcher Thais Uyema at the plate, but obstruction was called on the BCU catcher, allowing the runner to score and cut the lead at 3-1.
 
An infield fly to Madison Griggs and Lanay Carr going down on strikes allowed Gonzalez and the BCU defense to end the inning with just one run allowed.
 
Gonzalez (14-16) earned the win in the pitcher's circle for the Wildcats, as the junior All-SWAC Second Team selection worked all seven innings, allowing just one unearned run on six hits scattered, two walks and collecting four strikeouts. The loss went to TXSO starter Madalynn Gonzales (6-4) as she three all seven innings, surrendering three runs on six hits to go along with four walks and two strikeouts.
 
The Tigers offense was paced by Marisa Perla with two hits.
 
BCU was led offensively by six different players with a hit apiece, including two RBIs from shortstop Velazquez.
 
The Wildcats will now await the winner of the afternoon's second elimination game between Alabama State and two-time defending champion Prairie View A&M. First pitch for the Wildcats second game of the day is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT).
 
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