Gordon's Home Run Powers Dukes Past Lady Vols

Saturday, May 22

Knoxville, Tenn.

12 P.M.

James Madison University

36-1

Tennessee

42-14

Tennessee

James Madison

5/22/2021 4:52:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

KNOXVILLE, TN -- #22 James Madison softball punched its ticket to the Knoxville Regional Final after downing #9 Tennessee, 3-1, powered by defense and a three-run home run off the bat of Kate Gordon, at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

JMU improves to a record of 36-1, extending their winning streak to 26 games, while the Lady Vols fall to 42-14 on the season.

How it Happened

The Lady Vols got on the board first scoring a run off two hits before Odicci Alexander sat the last batter down to get JMU at the plate. In the bottom of the first, Sara Jubas fired off the first hit for the Dukes but was left on base.

Alexander retired the next three batters, striking out two of them to get JMU back to the batter's box. Lynsey Meeks got the momentum started in the bottom of the second, reaching first on a fielding error by the Lady Vols. Lauren Bernett then made her way on base after being hit by a pitch.

With two on, two out Gordon stepped into the batter's box and launched the first pitch over the center field fence for a three-run home run. The redshirt senior tied the Colonial Athletic Association home run record (68) and gave JMU the 3-1 lead over the Lady Vol's.

In the top of the third, Tennessee got two runners on base but were quickly shut down by a huge 1-6-4-3 double play. The teams remained scoreless for the rest of the game as it was a battle of the pitchers and the defense.

In the top of the seventh, the Lady Vols got a runner on base in hopes to stay in the game. With two down and one on, Alexander struck out the final batter to end the game and help JMU capture the 3-1 victory over the Lady Vols.

Quick Hits

- Gordon increased the JMU career home run record to 68 while tying the CAA home run record.
- Alexander moved to a record of 14-0 in the circle, while striking out five batters.
- Jubas extended her hitting streak to 14 games.
- JMU picked up its first win over the Lady Vols while playing at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and have now won the past two games in the series.

Up Next

JMU will play in the Knoxville Regional Finals at noon on Sunday, May 23 against the winner of Tennessee and Eastern Kentucky/Liberty. The game will be televised on ESPN3.