Senate Resolution 22

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY LADY TIGERS WOMEN'S SOFTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH KEVIN MONTGOMERY FOR THEIR SECOND OVERALL SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY AND FIRST IN OVER A DECADE.

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Women's Softball Team is the 2024 SWAC Tournament Champions after the Lady Tigers edged past Florida A&M in Gulfport, Mississippi, on May 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, it is JSU's second overall SWAC Championship win and first since 2011, according to the SWAC; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson State Women's Softball Team took a 1-0 lead in the first inning and never trailed from there on the way to a 3-1 victory over Florida A&M to claim its first SWAC Tournament Title in 13 years; and

WHEREAS, Jace Jackson was named SWAC Tournament MVP, while Mari Stephens, Julie Lopez, Ka'Liyah Gipson and Victoria Salazar were tabbed All-Tournament Team; and

WHEREAS, Sofia Gonzales got the win for Jackson State in the circle (33-17). They went seven innings, giving up one run on eight hits, allowing one walk and striking out three. In the batter's box, the Lady Tigers were paced by Kristina Carlson, who went 3-for-3 on the day with an RBI. Mari Stephens compiled a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a triple. Meah Almaraz also helped out for Jackson State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate; and

WHEREAS, with the win, JSU will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Lady Tigers SWAC Championship Softball Team Roster: Kristina Carlson, Samiyyah Huckabee, Victoria Salazar, Jalia Hubbard, Hermariya Stephens, Beija Allen, Jace Jackson, Samantha Chavez, Ka’Liyah Gipson, Ariah Hill, Ayanna Jennings, Kyleigh Peters, Gabrielle Willis, Sofia Gonzales, Kelley Bickers, Meah Almaraz, Julie Lopez and Brooklyn Morris; Kevin Montgomery, Head Coach; Zoey Keyes, Assistant Softball Coach; Ebony Henderson, Softball Manager; Jordan Williams, Equipment Manager; Mikaela Jackson, Head Athletic Trainer for Fall/Winter/and Spring Sports; and Amari Cloyd, Student Trainer; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of Mississippi athletes who have brought honor to their university, their community, their families and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson State University Lady Tigers Women's Softball Team and Head Coach Kevin Montgomery for their second overall SWAC Championship Victory and first in over a decade, and extend the best wishes of the Senate to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors on this auspicious victory.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Kevin Montgomery and JSU President Dr. Marcus L. Thompson, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.