MONTICELLO — The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team split a doubleheader against nationally ranked GAC rival Southern Arkansas Wednesday afternoon with a game one loss at 2-0, and a game two victory at 2-1. 

The opening game of the day for UAM (31-15, 24-10 GAC) against the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas (36-12, 26-10 GAC) saw SAU on the scoreboard first in the top of the third inning after a home run to right center gave the visitors the advantage. 

Southern Arkansas extended its lead in the top of the fifth out to 2-0 over the Blossoms and went on to shut down UAM offensively for the remainder of the match-up as well. 

UAM recorded three hits in the contest, courtesy of Kendra Coleman, Jordan Herbner, and Brittany Gentry with one a piece. 

Coleman also started in the circle in game number one, throwing 7.0 total innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs and recording eight strikeouts. 

The second game of the afternoon featured Arkansas-Monticello jumping onto the board first in the opening inning when UAM took advantage of a fielding error by SAU and was able to see one run cross the plate. 

The Blossoms added to its lead in the following inning on a Maranda Clendenin single to left field to put the score at 2-0 in UAM's favor. Despite allowing one run in the top of the third inning however, Arkansas-Monticello was able to seal the win overall throughout the rest of the match-up. 

Kaylee Freeman (W, 8-7) picked up the win in game two as she pitched a complete game of 7.0 innings, allowed six hits, only one earned run, and totaled three strikeouts. 

Arkansas-Monticello returns to action next, Sunday April 23, as the Blossoms with host nationally ranked Great American Conference opponent Harding University in a four-game series with a doubleheader slated for a 2 p.m. start time on Sunday.