JACKSONVILLE – Jax State dropped its 2023 home finale to No. 24 Central Arkansas, 4-3, on Sunday afternoon in the final game at Jana McGinnis Field for six senior Gamecocks.
 
Even with the series loss, Jax State (27-19, 13-8 ASUN) has a earned a spot in the ASUN Conference Tournament with one weekend remaining. Based on the final weekend matchups, not enough teams can surpass JSU's spot in the standings. The eight-team field officially set next Saturday will head to DeLand, Fla., looking to dethrone regular season champion, UCA (36-9, 19-2 ASUN).
 
A leadoff double that advanced to third and home on ensuing fly-balls for the first run of the day became the difference after seven grueling innings. The two sides exchanced offensive blows with the Bears jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the third inning with a 3-run home run. The Gamecocks bounced back in the bottom of the frame with a three-run triple off the bat of Lindsey Richardson to draw back within a run.
 
Following sophomore Sarah Currie's start, freshman Jaliyah Holmes entered in relief in the fourth following Robinson's 39-41st RBI of the season. Holmes allowed a leadoff single to open her outing, but quickly locked down to retired the next nine batters. With a double-play to end the fourth, Holmes entered the seventh having faced the minimum before a pair of walks in the final inning. JSU got out of the jam with a soft liner to Robinson at first.
 
Offensively, JSU had runners on base in each of the final four innings, but couldn't find the timely hit to drive in a tying or go-ahead run.