MONTICELLO – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team hit eight homeruns, including two grand slams, in 14-0 and 13-1 wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Tuesday to extend the team’s record streak to 16 consecutive victories.
 
In the 14-0 win, the Cotton Blossoms (23-4) had two grand slams, both of which coming out of the third spot in the lineup. Senior Becca Tipton smashed the first one to left center in the bottom of the second, while senior teammate Kayla Temple hit the second one in her pinch-hit appearance in the fourth.
 
Freshman Faith Lund and junior Sarah Hayslip added the other homeruns with solo shots, both in the bottom of the second inning. Hayslip finished the game with a team-high three hits in four at bats.
 
Sophomore Kayla Jackson (12-2) tossed her 13th compete game of the season and fourth shutout after allowing only one hit, while striking out three and only allowing one walk in all five innings.
 
In the 13-1 win, the Cotton Blossoms plated all 13 runs in the fourth inning after the team batted through the lineup twice.
 
UAM smashed four homeruns in the inning, including back-to-back-to-back blasts from Tipton, Lund and Jackson. Junior Kendra White started the homerun derby with a three-run shot to left field earlier in the inning. Hayslip and senior Emilie Hobbs each had a two-RBI double in the frame.
 
Jackson had a team-high three hits and finished the game a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with one RBI and two runs scored.
 
Sophomore Amanda Nordberg (9-1) picked up her fifth complete game of the season, allowing one run off three hits with eight strikeouts and only two walks in her five innings of work.
 
The Lady Lions (0-10) plated their lone run of the day on a solo homerun from CeCe Kolesar in the top of the third inning of the second game.
 
The Cotton Blossoms step back into Gulf South Conference action this weekend, when the team plays host to Southern Arkansas for a four-game series, starting with a double-header this Saturday, March 20 at 1 p.m. at Blossoms Field.