NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It's not like anyone with SIUE softball is superstitious.

After an SIUE staff member found a four-leaf clover near Tennessee State's field before Friday's game, the Cougars would go on to score four runs and upend the host Tigers 4-3. That meant a series win for SIUE.

"That was a great job coming back off a tough one yesterday," said SIUE Head Coach Jessica Jones. "Adversity is the name of the game this year. I'm proud of their perseverance."

SIUE, 2-9 overall and 2-1 in the OVC, took advantage of a first-inning miscue as Zoe Schafer reached on an error that brought home Ava Bieneman. Lexi King would make it 2-0 by scoring on a wild pitch from TSU reliever Raven Loveless.

After Tennessee State, 5-9 overall and 1-5 in the OVC, cut the lead in the second inning, SIUE added another run as Amber Storer singled ome Mia Haynes in the third inning.

"The offense is catching fire," said Jones. "One year off COVID shutdown, and we are picking it back up."

TSU tallied another run in the fourth, but SIUE made it 4-2 in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Rachel Quaritsch. That brought home Kylie Lane.

Kennedy Lehn earned the win in relief and is 1-1. Emily Ingles threw the final 1 1/3 innings and picked up the save.

"Emily came in and shut them down. That's being the veteran leader she is," said Jones.

SIUE's home schedule starts next Saturday when the Cougars entertain Murray State for a three-game series.

"They played with their hearts, and that is all I can ask for," added Jones.