RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team won two games on the final day of Arkansas Tech’s Spring Slam Tournament to remain undefeated and extend its streak to six consecutive wins to start the 2009 season.
 
UAM (6-0) beat Northeastern State 8-0 in five innings, marking the fifth run-rule victory of the season. The Blossoms later defeated Lincoln 1-0 in the tournament’s final contest.
 
In the win over Northeastern State, the Blossoms scored five runs in the fourth inning to extend its lead large enough for the run-rule win. All nine UAM players recorded at bats in the inning.
 
The Blossoms led off the inning with four consecutive base hits. Junior Lindsey Randall (Keithville, La.) and freshman Katie Bowman (Decatur, Ark.) started the scoring with back-to-back RBI singles. Randall’s hit scored senior Taura Rush (Joseph City, Ariz.), who was pinch-running for senior Amy Mardis (Burnet, Texas), who led off the inning with a single to left field. Bowman’s single scored senior Becca Sustaire (Hallsville, Texas), who also singled to left in the inning.
 
The big blow came two batters later, when junior Becca Tipton (Dermott, Ark.) smashed a two-RBI single to center field, scoring Randall and Bowman, both reaching scoring position on a double-steal during freshman Kayla Jackson’s at bat.
 
Jackson (Hallsville, Texas) later scored on an RBI-fielder’s choice by junior Emilie Hobbs (Nacogdoches, Texas). Jackson also recorded her third win in as many appearances after throwing a complete-game of five innings, allowing only two hits and giving up only one walk.  Jackson retired the first seven batters and held Northeastern State to only two scoring opportunities. In her three appearances this season, she has only allowed one run and has recorded 14 strikeouts.
 
Tipton finished the game against Northeastern Oklahoma 2-for-3 with four RBI. She hit another two-RBI single in the top of the first inning.
 
In the win over Lincoln, the Blossoms scored its lone run in the top of the seventh inning from an RBI-single by freshman Meagan Wilson (Longview, Texas), scoring freshman Randa Perry (Collierville, Tenn.), who led off the inning with a triple to right field.
 
Perry also recorded an impressive win on the mound, only allowing Lincoln base runners to reach scoring position only three times in seven innings. In her complete-game shut-out win, Perry allowed only three base hits and struck out three batters.
 
The Blossoms bring a perfect 6-0 record back to Monticello to host its annual Super 8 Classic next weekend (February 13-15). UAM takes on Quincy at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 13, followed by a 2 p.m. contest against Missouri Southern State. Check uamsports.com for additional information about the classic.