BENTONVILLE, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team split its final two games at the 8-State Classic to give the team a 5-1 finish over the weekend. The Blossoms defeated Fort Hays State 4-3 in the early game before falling 4-3 to Pittsburg State in the afternoon game.

The Blossoms (6-3) had to come from behind once again in the win over Fort Hays State after trailing 2-0 after the second inning. FHSU's Veronica Knittig hit a two-run homerun in the second inning to give the Wildcats the early lead.

UAM tied it up in the fourth inning, scoring on an RBI single from sophomore Korie Parker and taking advantage of a FSHU error. UAM junior Holly Wilmarth put the Blossoms up 3-2 in the fifth with a solo homerun to lead off the inning.

The Wildcats plated an unearned run in the sixth to force a 3-all tie, which eventually forced an extra inning after neither team reached the scoreboard in the seventh. UAM senior Lacy Blanchard tallied an RBI double in the top of the eighth inning to score junior Kali Piha, who walked in the previous at bat. The Blossoms held FHSU scoreless in the bottom of the frame to preserve the team's fifth straight victory.

Sophomore McKenzie Ashby (1-0) went the distance in the circle for her first career Blossoms victory.

The loss to Pittsburg State was UAM's first since last weekend's Ronnie Hawkins Invitational. UAM led 9-6 heading into the final inning, before the Gorillas put up a four spot in the seventh and held on to beat UAM by one. Complete game statistics will be posted at uamsports.com once they become available.

With Sunday's games being canceled due to impending inclement weather, the Blossoms are now to set to return to the field next weekend against Southwestern Oklahoma State for the first home games of the year. The four game series features double-headers on Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 21-22) at Blossoms Field.