Southeast Missouri State softball team drops season opener at Jackson State

The Southeast Missouri State softball team had a rough season opener Thursday, losing 11-1 in five innings to host Jackson State in Jackson, Miss.

Taylor Cowan accounted for Southeast's only run with a solo homer in the fourth inning.

Cheyenne Gipson had two of the Redhawks' four hits.

Jackson State, an NCAA tournament qualifier last year, had 10 hits. The Tigers scored four runs in the third inning and broke the game open with a seven-run fourth.

Alora Marble took the loss in the circle, allowing seven hits and six runs in 3 1/3 innings.

"We did not hit or defend well," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said. "We look forward to the next game."

Southeast returns to action today, facing IUPUI and Grambling at the Mardi Gras Classic in Monroe, La.