Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 BENTONVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball closed out day one of the Alvy Early Memorial Classic at Bentonville on Friday. UAM came out with an 1-1 record on the day, losing the first 6-4 to Northwest Missouri State, and defeating Emporia State in the second, 5-1.
 
The Blossoms had their work cut out for them in Game 1, scoring a run in the bottom of the first, but by the time they added a second run in the fourth, Northwest Missouri State had tacked on five runs of their own. Three more runs would be scored between the Bearcats and Blossoms, concluding with a 6-4 win to NWMSU. Arkansas-Monticello had a slow start to the first half of Game 2, not scoring a run until the fourth inning. The Weevils would eventually beat Emporia State, 5-1.

In Game 1 the Blossoms came out the gate swinging, starting the bottom of the first with a lead off double from Hannah Holdbrook. She would eventually score off of a one-out single from Grace Neal. Northwest Missouri State would answer back, scoring one run in the second, two runs in the third, and two more runs in the top of the fourth. UAM would find their stride again in the bottom of the fourth, putting up a run on the board from a combination of doubles from Summer Perkins and Alissa Suarez. The Bearcats would score their final run of the game in the top of the seventh. The Blossoms would score two runs in the bottom half of the inning thanks to a handful of walks and hits from Suarez and Madison Morrissey, but it was not enough to take back the NWMSU lead.

Averie Gunther started on the mound for the Blossoms, posting 2.1 innings on the day. Gunther would give up three runs on five hits, with three errors behind her. Unfortunately, she would take the loss for UAM. Sam Stephens entered the game with one out in the top of the third, recording 4.2 innings thrown five strikeouts, and only walking one batter.

In Game 2 Emporia State was the first team to strike, scoring a run in the top of the second. UAM wouldn't answer until the bottom of the fourth, where they would score 2 runs. Caroline Tedder put the Blossoms on the board, scoring Haley Cornell with a two-out, RBI triple. Tedder would eventually score herself on a passed ball. Monticello found another run in the bottom of the fifth as Shae Shoquist would cross the plate after an error by the shortstop. The final two runs for UAM would be scored in the bottom of the sixth. Bailey Camp scored on a passed ball and Summer Perkins touches home thanks to an error by the first baseman. The Blossoms would win after Emporia State failed to score in the top of the seventh.
 
Jamie Franks would collect her second win of the year, throwing an absolute gem for the Blossoms. Franks recorded 6.0 inning pitched, only allowing one run scored on six hits.

Showcased Offense
Madison Morrissey – Went 2-for-3 in Game 1.
Summer Perkins - Went 2-for-3 in Game 1 with a double and a run scored.
Alissa Suarez - Went 2-for-3 in Game 1 with a double, run scored, and an RBI.
Hannah Holdbrook - Went 1-for-3 in Game 1 with a double, two runs scored, and a walk.
Caroline Tedder - Went 1-for-3 in Game 2 with an RBI triple and a run scored.

On Deck
The Blossoms return to the field on Saturday, Feb. 12 for day 2 of the Alvy Early Memorial Classic. They play against Maryville University at 11 a.m. Following this game is a match up with Northeastern State University at 1 p.m.
 
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