JACKSONVILLE – Jax State softball secured the weekend series over visiting Western Kentucky on Saturday with its second win in two days, and in the process, officially earned a berth into the Conference USA Tournament.
 
Winners of 12 of their last 17, the Gamecocks (22-25, 11-9 CUSA) have not only clinched a postseason spot, but continue the late charge up the league standings. Saturday's 3-2 victory over WKU (28-18-1, 13-7 CUSA) pulls Jax State within two games of the second-place Hilltoppers.  
 
Jax State used just seven hits, spread among six different Gamecocks, to come through in Saturday's tight win, after rolling to a run-rule victory the night before. Only sophomore Linley Tubbs collected multiple hits, but it was her two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning that made the greatest impact early. With senior Emma Jones-Hubbard already aboard, Jax State struck first for a 2-0 lead.
 
The blast proved critical as Jax State's only run-producing hit of the afternoon, especially given that WKU quickly tacked on two runs of their own in the fourth thanks in part to a triple. Despite the busy third frame, Jax State starter Jaliyah Holmes shined in her third complete game of the season allowing just four hits altogether. She was backed by a strong defensive performance behind her, including a couple of diving grabs from Ella Pate in left field.
 
All tied in the sixth, senior Lindsey Richardson led off with a clutch double to get the go-ahead run to scoring position. Hannah Buffington entered to run and advanced to third on Ashley Phillips' sacrifice. With Buffington at third, WKU catcher Randi Drinnon made a couple of key stops for pitches in the dirt until one for Makalyn Kyser at the plate got away far enough for Buffington to sprint home.
 
Even with a two-out double, Holmes closed the door on the Hilltoppers in the top of the seventh to secure the 3-2 win and series victory.
 
Jax State will try for its first Conference USA sweep during Sunday's Senior Day. The two teams conclude the weekend slate with a 1:05 first pitch from Jana McGinnis Field. Jones-Hubbard, Richardson and Caroline Lively will be recognized pregame in a short senior day ceremony.