Baton Rouge, LA — Just over a month ago, Southern University was searching for answers after dropping a Southwestern Athletic Conference series on April 4.
Since then, the Jaguars have been nearly unbeatable. The Jaguars closed the season on a 16-2 run, only dropping two midweek games to Northwestern State University and the University of Louisiana.
Southern enters the 2026 SWAC Baseball Tournament riding a 15-game conference winning streak and carrying the momentum of five consecutive weekend series sweeps into postseason play. The Jaguars' late-season surge vaulted them to the tournament's No. 2 seed after one of the strongest finishes in the conference this season.
Now, Southern will attempt to continue its turnaround when the Jaguars open tournament play Wednesday at 3 p.m. against No. 7 seed Jackson State University at historic Rickwood Field.
The 2026 SWAC Baseball Tournament is scheduled for May 20-24 in Birmingham.
Southern's transformation over the final stretch of the regular season changed the outlook of its season entirely. After struggling to find consistency early in conference play, the Jaguars responded with dominant pitching performances, improved defense, and timely offensive production that overwhelmed league opponents down the stretch.
The Jaguars did not lose another SWAC game after April 4.
During the streak, Southern completed five straight conference series sweeps, establishing itself as one of the hottest teams entering the tournament field. The run not only elevated Southern in the conference standings, but also restored confidence heading into postseason competition.
The Jaguars' balanced approach fueled the turnaround. Southern consistently received quality starts on the mound while the lineup produced in key moments throughout the streak. The team's ability to control games early and sustain offensive pressure late became a defining factor during its rise in the standings.
Now, the focus shifts to postseason baseball.
Southern opens tournament play against Jackson State, a familiar conference opponent looking to spoil the Jaguars' momentum. With the SWAC Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth at stake, the Jaguars enter Birmingham playing their best baseball of the season.
And after more than a month without a conference loss, Southern arrives at Rickwood Field believing its turnaround is far from finished.
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