MONTICELLO — The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team split the day against Great American Conference opponent East Central at home with a game one win at 2-0, and a game two loss at 1-0 in eight innings. 

The third game overall in this series featured the Blossoms (33-21, 26-16 GAC) on the board first against the East Central (31-24, 22-21 GAC) in the bottom of the second inning after Korie Parker singled up the middle to drive in two runs for the UAM advantage, which proved to be all the home squad would need to pick up the 2-0 victory in the end.  

Parker finished the game going 2-for-3 with two runs batted in, while Jordan Herbner and Ashton Currey provided one hit each in the contest as well. 

Kendra Coleman (W, 20-7) threw a complete game, five hit shutout to earn her 20th victory on the season, and lowered her earned run average down to 1.25 overall. 

Game number two on the day featured a pitcher's duel between the two programs as this game remained scoreless heading into extra innings in the top of the eighth. East Central was able to see the match-up's only run cross the plate on a bases loaded ground out to second base for the 1-0 lead. 

The Blossoms did out hit the Tigers in this contest seven versus the two hits of East Central, but could not get those runners home unfortunately. Leading the offense was Parker with another two hit game, and Kali Bolter, Skyler Anderson, McKenzie Rice, Coleman, and Herbner each added one hit a piece. 

Kaylee Freeman began in the circle for UAM throwing all 8.0 innings, allowing zero earned runs, and only totaled two walks. 

Arkansas-Monticello will be in action next on Thursday, May 4 as the Blossoms face East Central once again in the opening game of the GAC Championship Tournament to be held in Bentonville, Arkansas May 4 - May 6. Live coverage of the tournament, along with tournament information can be found at the link listed below. 

2017 GAC Softball Championship Tournament