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ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team suffered its first loss of the 2014 season on Friday with a 7-3 setback to Central Missouri at Sully Anderson Field on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University.

The Jennies (1-1) jumped out to an early lead with three runs in the top of the first inning, highlighted by a solo homerun Jakki Prater and an RBI double by Lauren Mabe. UCM added two more runs in the fifth taking advantage of a UAM fielding error and an RBI double from Emily King.

The Blossoms (2-1) took advantage of a UCM fielding error in the sixth to score all three runs in the inning. Sophomore Kali Piha led off the inning with a double to left field and was driven in on a single from senior Beth Johnson in the next at bat. Johnson later scored on an error by the UCM second baseman. UAM's final run in the inning came in the form of junior Lacy Blanchard, who walked and later scored on a bases-loaded walk by senior Channing Tharpe.

UCM finalized the scoring with a two-run homerun in the top of the seventh by Jakki Prater.

Junior Katie Slaughter (1-1) took the loss for UAM after giving up three runs (two earned) off four hits with one strikeout and no walks in the first 2.2 innings. In addition to going 2-for-4 with three runs batted in, UCM's Jakki Prater (1-0) also earned the win in the circle after giving up three runs (one earned) off six hits with one strikeout and two walks in the first 5.1 innings.

The Blossoms are scheduled to return to action in the "Hurry Up" Softball Classic on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Lincoln.