IRONDALE, Ala. – Nicole Burr’s first three trips to the plate Sunday against Jackson State weren’t memorable. She grounded out, popped up and walked.

But her fourth time up was a moment she will likely remember for the rest of her life. The junior standout catcher belted a seventh inning grand slam that saved the Devilettes’ season and gave MVSU a 7-3 victory and its seventh SWAC Tournament title in the last nine years.

“How things fell into place, it was just amazing,” said Burr.  

“Amazing” doesn’t begin to describe how the Devilettes provided a national audience on ESPNU and ESPN3 a game that many will remember for a long time to come. After four scoreless innings, the Lady Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning on a two-run homer by Wendi Reed. An RBI single by Sabeana Romero later in the inning put JSU in the driver’s seat with a 3-0 lead.

But Valley wasn’t done. And not even a 33-minute rain delay in the top of the sixth inning could hold back a Devilette team that has now won 17 straight games.

Prior to the delay, the Devilettes scored their run on a walk. And afterwards, with two outs and loaded bases, Rachelle Harris came through in the clutch with a 2-run single that tied the game at 3.

After holding JSU scoreless in the bottom of the sixth inning, it was Burr’s grand slam that put the Lady Tigers away and solidified the Devilettes a spot in the NCAA Regionals.

“We knew it was going to be tight,” said MVSU coach Lee Smith. “This is what we’ve been working for.”
The game was also special for Smith, who won his 300^th game.

Burr was named the Tournament MVP for her performance. Alicia Lorenz was the winning pitcher, working a complete game while giving up three earned runs on eight hits with six strikeouts.

Breea Jamerson suffered the loss on the mound for JSU.

Burr’s grand slam was her lone hit and she finished with five RBIs. Burr, Lorenz and Kimberly Spivey were named to the All-Tournament team.

The win served as revenge for the Devilettes who fell to the Lady Tigers in last year's championship game.

MVSU will find out who and where it will play tonight during the 2012 NCAA Division I Softball Championship Selection Show at 9 p.m. on ESPNU.