BENTONVILLE, Arkansas — The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team split day one of the UAM 8-State Classic with a win over Concordia University-St. Paul (5-1), and a loss against Rogers State (6-5).

In the first game for the the Blossoms (3-3) against Concordia (1-5), UAM got on the board first in the bottom of the opening inning after a Korie Parker double to left field scored the first run of the game. Kali Bolter went on to single to left as well to score another run, giving Arkansas-Monticello the 2-0 advantage.

The Blossoms continued to score later in the fifth inning after doubles by both Kendra Coleman and Parker scored a total of three runs in the inning, giving UAM the 5-1 lead, which was enough to hold onto the victory in game one. 

The second match-up of the day for the Blossoms against the Hillcats of Rogers State (6-2) saw RSU jump out to an early 3-0 lead after the first inning of the game. UAM answered back however in the following innings, starting off with a Kendra Coleman home-run to left field to put the Blossoms on the board. 

A McKenzie Rice triple brought home another run in the bottom of the third inning, and UAM captured the lead in the bottom of the fourth after Skyler Anderson and Brittany Gentry each picked up a RBI to put the game in favor of Arkansas-Monticello at 4-3. 

Rogers State evened the game up in the top of the sixth and went on to take the lead in the seventh after scoring two more runs to give the Hillcats the 6-4 advantage. Rice attempted to fuel a comeback with a home-run to right center field, but RSU ultimately took the game at 6-5 over the Blossoms. 

UAM returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, February 18 as the Blossoms continue with day two at the 8-State Classic, and will face Minnesota State-Mankato at 11 a.m. and finish the day against Wayne State at 1 p.m.