KNOXVILLE – Alexus Jimmerson's first career home run lifted the Jacksonville State softball team to a 3-2 win over Bradley in the final game of the Tennessee invitational on Sunday.
 
Jimmerson accounted for all of the Gamecocks' offense on one second inning swing, one that deposited a 2-2 pitch from Braves starter Julie Kestas over the wall in right. The three-run blast was just enough for Whitney Gillespie to work with in capping the weekend with a 2-2 record at Lee Stadium.
 
The Gamecocks (11-6) entered the Sunday morning matchup with the Braves (11-9) looking to bounce back from a pair of one-run losses on Saturday to Ohio and No. 15 Tennessee. Jimmerson provided the spark that got them going.
 
The Freshman from Jackson, Tenn., earned the start at designated hitter and made the most of it. Her first career RBI came on the big swing and gave the JSU ace a 3-0 lead in the second.
 
Gillespie (4-3) held the Braves to two runs on seven hits in seven frames, her sixth complete game in seven starts this season. She struck out four and walked two.
 
Jimmerson had two of the Gamecocks' five hits, going 2-for-2 with the homer and a double. Hayley Sims, Stephanie Lewis and Taylor Sloan had JSU other three hits, all singles.
 
Kestas suffered the loss, allowing three runs on five hits in six innings in the circle. She struck out four and didn't issue a walk.
 
The Gamecocks return home for a Tuesday evening tilt with in-state rival UAB. First pitch at University Field is set for 6 p.m. Admission is free for JSU Students and all fans ages 18 and under.