MonticelloLive

The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team split a double header with Missouri-St. Louis on Thursday with UMSL winning game one 5-4 and UAM posting a 2-0 shut out in game two.
 
The Blossoms were their own worst enemy in the first game, posting three errors in each of the fourth and fifth innings, allowing the Lady Tritons to fight their way back to tie the game at 4-all.
 
Then in the top of the seventh inning, UMSL took a one-run lead thanks in part to two UAM defensive errors. The Blossoms were unable to post a run in the bottom half of the inning, resulting in the 17th loss of the season.
 
Sophomore Becca Tipton (Dermott, Ark.) went 2 for 4 with two RBI in the game, including an RBI-double in the bottom of the first inning. Sophomore Kayla Temple (West Monroe, La.) also collected two RBI in the game with a two-run base hit also in the bottom of the first.
 
Junior Becca Sustaire (Hallsville, Texas) recorded the loss after allowing five runs (zero earned) off eight hits and striking out six of the 36 batters she faced. Sustaire moves to 5-9 on the season.
 
In the second game, UAM recorded their first shut out victory of the season by using a pair of one-run innings to force the two-game series split.
 
In the bottom of the fifth inning, senior Gemma Gibson (Dodd City, Texas) opened the scoring by smashing an RBI-single up the middle that scored junior Heather Greer (Hollandale, Miss.), who led off the inning with a double down the left field line.
 
In the following inning, senior Kate Brady (Longview, Texas) scored the other UAM run from a throwing error by the UMSL catcher. Brady reached on a walk, and moved to second on a fielder’s choice earlier in the inning.
 
In addition to her offensive numbers, Brady struck out seven UMSL batters on her way to recording a complete game win, only allowing five hits in the shut out. Brady improves her season record to 6-5.
 
The Blossoms move to 11-17 overall this season and step back into Gulf South Conference play Sunday, March 30, when the team hosts Delta State for a double header starting at 1 p.m. at Blossom Field.