Delta State University’s C.J. Estave had a big tournament, helping the Statesmen win their 15th Gulf South Conference Title after blanking top-seeded University of West Florida, 6-0, Tuesday in Oxford, Ala.
“Probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I’ve never been in that situation where we got to dogpile,” Estave said.
Third-seeded Delta State went 5-1 in the tournament that ran from May 3-7.
For the tournament, the 2016 Franklinton High School graduate went 9-for-20 (.450 batting average) with a homer, eight RBIs and three runs scored. His home run was an inside-the-park grand slam.
“I really got hot at the right time,” Estave said. “The first game, I didn’t know (if I’d play in that game); we have two DHs. He hits against the righties and I hit against the lefties, but after that first game, I hit so well, I played in almost every game.”
This season, Estave is hitting .317 with a .427 on-base percentage and a .400 slugging percentage. Estave has two homers, 19 RBIs with four doubles and 17 runs scored in 38 games that includes 34 starts.
Estave played five of the six games of the tournament.
To reach the conference tournament, teams have to finish in the top eight during the regular season. The conference has 13 teams.
Delta State University is 39-12 this season and has won seven of its last eight games.
Delta State University advanced to the NCAA Division II South Regional Tournament that will take place May 16-19. The tournament’s site will be announced on Sunday at 9 p.m.