JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Wildcats landmark campaign continued with some late game dramatics. Avery Thomas blasted a top-of-the seventh inning solo home run and Rachel Clark sent Edward Waters down in order and propelled Fort Valley State to a 2-1 victory and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference East Division title!

After allowing a two-out solo home run in the home first frame, Clark was stellar in the circle. The FVSU freshman pitcher scattered four hits over the final six Edward Waters at bats without a walk. Following a Taylor Orr two-out liner to center field in the sixth plated Alexia Scott to tie the game, 1-1, Thomas stepped in a slugged what would be the game-winning and title-winning round tripper in the top of the frame, before Clark wrapped up the victory.

FVSU improved to 28-15 overall and took away the East Division title at 20-4. EWU (36-15) finished 18-6 with the loss.

The Wildcats head to the SIAC Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the East Division. FVSU will take on No. 4 in the West Miles College in the opening round next Monday afternoon, April 29, in a 12:30 p.m. first pitch at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Ga.

FVSU recorded only six hits on Thursday, but it made them count. Thomas finished the day a perfect 2 for 2 with a double, the key solo home run, a run, one RBI and a walk. Orr lined the other key hit with her RBI single and drove in Scott, who singled before her. Jennifer Ramirez and Chasity Kates added one hit apiece.

Clark improved to 13-7 on the season after going the distance and giving up only the solo homer against her.

Edward Waters went ahead with a solo home run in the home first and the 1-0 score held up until the Orr RBI single in the sixth to tie at 1-1.

The FVSU defense helped the team clinch the Division title by ending both the home fourth and sixth frames, including with runners on the corners in the latter time.

-Wildcats-