The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball closed out day two of opening weekend in the Mike McGhee/Ronnie Hawkins Classic Tournament on Sunday. UAM came out with a 0-2 record on the day, losing 7-5 to Emporia State and 4-3 to Cameron.
The Blossoms gave up a significant lead to lose Game 1, scoring two runs in the top of the first and adding another three runs in the bottom of the second. Emporia State was able to tack on three runs in the bottom of the second and another four in the third to regain a 7-5 lead over UAM until the completion of the match. Arkansas-Monticello had a rough start to game 2, putting up 5 runs, but falling to Cameron in the end 12-5.
A quote from Head Coach Kyle Lem:
“Not our best day on the diamond. Got out to a great start against ESU and couldn’t make adjustments to sustain our offensive momentum. Then we couldn’t overcome some defensive miscues. CU came out and got on top big early and we couldn’t get enough back outside our one big inning. We know where we need to improve this week.”
In Game 1 the Blossoms came out the gate swinging, bringing in two runs in the top of the first. UAM would earn three more runs in the top of the second thanks to RBIs from Grace Neal (1) and Haley Cornell (2), giving the Blossoms a 5-0 lead as they head into the bottom half of the inning. Emporia State would answer with three hits to earn three runs of their own in their half of the inning, shortening the UAM lead to 5-3. The Hornets would add four more runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a 7-5 lead over the Blossoms. Neither
Alexis Pevehouse started on the mound for the Blossoms, only posting 1.1 innings on the day. Pevehouse struck out 3 batter from the Hornets in her outing, unfortunately walking 3 batters as well. Kyann Woods entered the game in the bottom of the second, getting 1.1 innings thrown and a strikeout, unfortunately taking the loss. Jamie Franks came in to pitch in the third inning recording 1.1 innings as well. Maguire Estill finished out the lst 2 innings on the mound for UAM, giving up only one hit and zero runs.
In Game 2 Cameron University came out of the gate hot, scoring seven runs in the top of the first. They would score one more in the second, but UAM would follow up with a rally of their own. The Blossoms would kick off their second inning with a single from Christa Lannon, followed by a double from Averie Gunther to put two runners in scoring position. Miranda Thompson would load the bases after being walked. Alissa Suarez would earn her self an RBI after scoring Lannon on a ground out to the second baseman. Gunther would score on a throwing error from the catcher and Thompson would advance to third.
Hanah Holdbrook and Grace Neal would provide two massive hits for the Blossoms, Holdbrook hitting an RBI double, scoring Thompson, and Neal hitting a two-run bomb to left center.
The Aggies would score three more runs in the top of the fourth inning and a final run in the top of the seventh.
Maddie Chalenburg started the game for UAM, unfortunately taking the loss after only one inning pitched. Sam Stephens would come in to pitch in the second inning, unfortunately experiencing four errors on the field behind her. Jamie Franks would make her second appearance of the day on the mound in the fourth, tallying 2 more innings with only two hits allowed. Maguire Estill would also make her second appearance of the day, posting 2 innings pitched with 2 strike outs and no walks.
Showcased Offense
Haley Cornell – Went 2-for-3 in Game 1 with 2 RBIs and a HBP.
Grace Neal – Went 3-for-6 on the day with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored.
On Deck
The Blossoms return to the field on Friday, Feb. 11 for their first games of the Alvy Early Memorial Classic. They play against Northwest Missouri State University at 11 a.m. Following this game is a match up with Emporia State University at 1 p.m.
Follow the Blossoms
You can find the UAM Blossoms on Twitter and Instagram by searching “UAM Softball.”
