BENTONVILLE, Arkansas — The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team opened the 8-State Classic on Friday with a pair of victories, defeating Minnesota Duluth 2-1 and Fort Hays State 3-1.

Junior Kendra Coleman sparked the Blossoms in both of Friday's wins. The Red Oak, Oklahoma native had two hits in both games, while also earning a complete-game victory in the circle against Minnesota Duluth.

Coleman (1-2) allowed just one run off three hits with eight strikeouts and two walks against the Bulldogs (0-2). She was also 2-for-3 at the plate. Junior first baseman Katie Koen also posted two hits in the win over UMD.

UAM's runs in the first game came off the bat of senior Kali Piha, who led off the fourth inning with a solo homerun, and hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth.

The Bulldogs scored their lone run of the game on an RBI single from Natalie Wright in the top of the sixth inning.

In the win over Fort Hays (0-2), Coleman continued her productive day by again going 2-for-3 at the plate, this time driving in all three of UAM's runs. She had a two-run double in the third and an RBI single in the fifth.

Senior Elizabeth Delafield (1-1) earned the win in the circle, giving up one unearned run off five hits with two strikeouts and three walks in the first five innings. Sophomore Alyson Finnigan recorded UAM's first save of the season after not giving up a hit or run in the final two innings, while striking out three and walking only one.

FHSU took advantage of one of UAM's three fielding errors with one run in the top of the fifth inning.

The Blossoms (3-3) are back to action at the 8-State Classic on Saturday with an 11 a.m. matchup against Wayne State College and a 1 p.m. game against Central Missouri.