MSSU 6, UAM 5 (8 innings) - BOX SCORE

FHSU 3, UAM 1 - BOX SCORE

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team suffered a pair of losses on the second day of the 7-State Classic on Friday, committing six errors in a 6-5 loss to Missouri Southern State in the morning game and only collecting two hits in a 3-1 loss to Fort Hays State later in the day.

Missouri Southern State (4-1) took advantage of six UAM fielding errors in the first game of the day to plate six unearned runs, including a three-run rally in the top of the eighth inning to snap UAM’s four-game winning streak.

UAM forced a 2-all tie in the bottom of the third inning on a two-run triple from junior Beth Johnson. The Cotton Blossoms took a 3-2 lead in the fourth on a bases-loaded walk from junior Brittany Eitel.

MSSU tied the score at 3-all in the sixth on an RBI single from Haley Pypes.

After UAM loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the seventh, MSSU pitcher Sarah Williams retired the next three UAM batters to force the game into extra innings. The Lions took advantage of two UAM fielding errors in the top of the eighth to plate three runs.

UAM got to within one run in the bottom of the inning on an RBI triple from Eitel and an RBI single from Johnson. Johnson, representing the tying run, was left stranded at second after a ricochet off the MSSU pitcher bounced to the shortstop, who retired sophomore Sara Matthews at first to end the game.

Junior Courtney Wilson (2-1) was saddled with the loss after allowing three unearned runs off two hits in the final 2.1 innings. Sarah Williams (1-1) earned the win for MSSU, allowing two runs off four hits in the final three innings.

UAM was held to two hits and only six base runners in the team’s 3-1 loss to Fort Hays State. UAM scored its lone run in the bottom of the fourth. Brittany Eitel smashed a two-out triple to right field and scored two batters later on a fielding error by the Fort Hays second baseman.

Fort Hays (4-0) started the fourth inning going up 3-0 on a two-run single from Callie Wright. The Lady Tigers opened the scoring on an RBI triple from Dani Brinkmann in the top of the first inning.

Senior Randa Perry (4-2) took the loss in complete-game style, allowing three runs (one earned) off five hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. Maddie Holub (2-0) earned the win for Fort Hays, allowing one unearned run off two hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks in the full seven innings.

The Cotton Blossoms continue the 7-State Classic on Saturday against Oklahoma Christian and Missouri Western State.