Virginia State University’s bid for a second straight New South Athletic Conference (NSAC) baseball title came up short May 7 at Whaley Colbert Field in Ettrick.

The Trojans lost 7-6 to Salem (W.Va.) in the final game. VSU won the same tournament a year ago in Elizabeth City, N.C.

Coach Merrill Morgan’s squad finished 21-29, but boasted having the NSAC Player of the Year with Tahraun Hammond and All- Conference player Ricky Jones.

On the season, Hammond hit .323 while posting a 3-3 pitching record. Jones, a senior transfer from the University of Richmond, hit .333 with 11 doubles, three triples, two homers and 30 runs batted in.

From Hopewell High, Jones was outstanding in the tournament, going 6-for-14 at the plate with four runs scored and five RBIs.

VSU joined the NSAC last season because of a lack of baseball participation in the CIAA. Other NSAC teams are Salem, Apprentice School of Newport News and Mid-Atlantic Christian of Elizabeth City.

CIAA universities that have baseball teams are Claflin, Lincoln and VSU.