SAVANNAH, Ga.-  Savannah State scored six times in the seven inning as they defeated Allen 14-12 in a game played on April 4, 2024 at the SSU Softball Field.
 
Leading the way for the Lady Tigers was Zarria Smith who struck out six batters while on the mound. At the plate, the junior from Spartanburg, South Carolina hit a two-run single in the seventh inning that put SSU ahead 12-11.
 
While Zarria Smith's hit put Savannah State ahead, it was Phaedra Smith's two-run triple that extended SSU's lead to 14-11.
 
The win halts a five game losing skid by Savannah State and gives them a 11-22 overall record and a 7-11 record in the SIAC.
 
The Lady Tigers scored twice in the first inning when Kayla Ragins drew a walk and stole second. Neveah Ford bunted her way on base which allowed Ragins to move to third base. A ground-out by LaTaviona Parke allowed Ragins to score and Ford later scored on a wild pitch.
 
In the second inning, Phaedra Smith led off with a single and scored on a sacrifice fly by Ragins. Ford followed with a triple and scored when Parke singled.
 
Zarria Smith was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning and Kylie Rhymer entered the game as a pinch runner. Rhymer advanced to second on a wiled pitch and scored when Caleigh Powell reached base because of an error by the right fielder.
 
Allen sent seven runners across home plate in the bottom half of the inning to take a 10-5 lead.
 
The top of the sixth saw Ragins single to right field, steal second and advance to third base on a wild pitch. Neveah Ford walked and stole second while Parke reached base on a fielder's choice while allowed Ragins to score. A ground-out by Haley Carroll allowed Ford to score and Parke scored on a passed ball to cut SSU's deficit to 10-8.
 
A run in the bottom of the inning increased the Yellow Jackets' lead to 11-8.
 
Savannah State scored six runs in the seventh with two outs off of three hits.
 
SSU loaded the bases with consecutive walks to Ford, Parke and Ziahya Griffin. A single to left field by Madision Starling-Martin brought home Neveah Ford and a single to right field by Zarria Smith allowed Parke and Griffin to cross home plate. After Caleigh Powell drew a walk, Phadrea Smith hit a triple down the left field line that plated Zarria Smith and Powell for a 14-11 advantage.
 
Allen scored once in the bottom of the seventh and SSU walked away with a much needed win.
 
The team combined for 26 hits with Savannah State getting 14. The Lady Tigers also made six errors.
 
Both teams left ten runners on base during the game.
 
Ragins scored twice and stole two bases, Ford had two hits, stole three bases and scored four runs, Parke had two RBI and scored twice, Zarria Smith had two RBI and Phaedra Smith ended the game with two hits and two RBI.
 
Alaina Harvey had three RBI for Allen (3-30, 3-15 SIAC) and Elissa Rich was the losing pitcher.
 
Savannah State will play at Benedict on April 12-13.