MONTICELLO – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team extended its streak to eight consecutive wins in as many games this season with a 4-1 win over Quincy, followed by a 6-5 come-from-behind win over Missouri Southern on the first day of the 2009 Super 8 Softball Classic.
 
In the win over Quincy, freshman Kayla Jackson (Hallsville, Texas) recorded her fourth win of the season in a complete-game effort, only allowing one un-earned run off five hits. With the impressive win, Jackson lowered her season ERA to a team-best 0.29 per game.
 
Jackson also was responsible for half of UAM’s runs in the game with a two-RBI triple to right center field in the bottom of the second inning, scoring senior Amy Mardis (Burnet, Texas) and freshman Meagan Wilson (Longview, Texas). Mardis was hit by a pitch, followed by Wilson drawing a walk earlier in the inning.
 
The Blossoms scored their other two runs in the bottom of the first inning off two wild pitches from Quincy starting pitcher Torie Bunzell, who recorded the loss in her first appearance of the season.
 
Jackson finished the game 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBI and one run scored.
 
In the win over Missouri Southern, the Blossoms used a three-run fourth inning to take a 6-4 lead. Jackson was again responsible for part of the damage. In the inning, she smashed a two-RBI double down the left field line to score senior Lindsey Randall (Keithville, La.) and freshman Katie Bowman (Decatur, Ark.). Randall led off the inning with a double to right center, followed by Bowman drawing a walk.
 
Freshman Amanda Nordberg recorded her second win of the season after throwing the final 4.2 innings, allowing one run off three hits.
 
UAM continues play in the Super 8 Classic tomorrow (Saturday) with a 12 p.m. contest against Southern Indiana and a 2 p.m. re-match with Quincy.