MonticelloLive

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Cotton Blossoms (0-2) struggled in their first two games of the 2007 season, falling 7-1 and 7-3 to the Hawaii-Hilo Vulcans on Thursday.

In the opening game, the Vulcans tagged UAM starter Kate Brady (Jr., Longview, Texas) for seven hits and six runs, all earned, in three innings. Brady walked seven in the loss.

UHH scored five runs in the first and extended their lead to 6-0 in the third inning. The Cotton Blossoms finally broke through in the top of the sixth inning, as Kim Gibson (Fr., Dodd City, Texas) swatted an RBI single to center, scoring Meredith Heckel (Jr., Hot Springs, Ark.)

The Vulcans added another run in the bottom of the sixth to extend their lead in the win. Brady fell to 0-1 on the season in the loss. Kim Gibson tossed three innings in relief, scattering four hits and allowing one run.

In the nightcap, the Vulcans jumped out to a four-run lead, chasing starter Alison North (Fr., Marion, La.) from the game in the third inning. However, the Blossoms clawed back, as Heckel blasted a one-out home run to center to bring UAM to within 4-1. Three batters later, Becca Tipton (Fr., Monticello, Ark.) blasted a two-run homer down the rightfield line to pull UAM to within 4-3.

However, the offensive highlights ended there for the Cotton Blossoms, and the Vulcans continued their offensive barrage, scoring two more runs in the fourth and one in the sixth to coast to the victory.

North (0-1) suffered the loss for UAM. Heckel picked up two hits in the loss.

The Blossoms will conclude their four-game series against Hawaii-Hilo with a Friday doubleheader.