MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team stepped back into Gulf South Conference West Division competition by spitting a pair of games to Christian Brothers with a 2-1 loss in the first game and a 6-3 win in the second game.
 
Freshman Katie Bowman went 4 for 4 at the plate in the second game with three RBI, highlighted by a two-RBI hit through the right side of the infield in the top of the third inning to help the Blossoms gain the lead. In the next inning, she recorded her third RBI of the game with a double to right field, giving UAM a 5-3 advantage.
 
The Blossoms (28-7, 7-5 GSC) finalized their scoring in the seventh frame when Bowman led off the inning with a double, moved to third on a base hit from junior Emilie Hobbs and scored on an throwing error by the CBU catcher.
 
Freshman Randa Perry (5-3) earned the win in complete-game fashion, allowing three runs (all unearned) off eight hits and only walking one batter. CBU’s Kallie McFatter (2-9) took the loss after allowing six runs off nine hits.
 
In the series opener, CBU (13-17, 4-14 GSC) scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning when Nikki Dunn doubled, moved to third on a passed ball and scored on Kat Nelson’s game-winning single through the right side of the infield.
 
Both teams scored one run in the third inning. Bowman started her impressive day with an RBI sacrifice fly-out to center, scoring senior Amy Mardis, who singled to left earlier in the inning. CBU scored its run in the bottom half of the stanza with an RBI-double by Victoria Matthews.
 
Freshman Kayla Jackson (18-4) took the loss after allowing both runs off six hits, while striking out six batters in six full innings of work. CBU’s Nikki Dunn (12-8) earned the win after allowing one run off six hits in her seven innings of work.
 
The two squads conclude the series with a double-header tomorrow (Saturday) starting at 12 p.m. in Memphis. UAM looks to record its 30th win of the season, which would mark the 10th 30-win season in the program’s 14-year history.