BETHANY, Okla. - Southern Nazarene opened Great American Conference play at home Friday afternoon but ran into a tough No. 10 Southern Arkansas squad, falling 8-0 in six innings.

The Crimson Storm (5-8, 0-1 GAC) collected four hits and put runners on throughout the game but were unable to break through against SAU pitcher Emma Duncan who kept SNU off the scoreboard.

Southern Arkansas (14-1, 1-0 GAC) struck early, taking advantage of a pair of first-inning errors to plate three runs and grab the early momentum. The Lady Mules added another run in the fourth on an RBI single to extend the lead to 4-0.

The Storm threatened in the third inning when Bailey Nettles drew a walk and Abby Wood followed with a single to put two aboard, but Southern Arkansas escaped the jam to maintain the shutout.

SAU added separation in the fifth, using three hits, including a two-run triple, to push the advantage to 7-0. The Muleriders tacked on one more in the sixth to complete the scoring.

Southern Nazarene continued to battle late, putting two runners on in the fifth after a single from Macy Stewart and an error, and again in the sixth when Kristen Mullendore and Presley Brott worked walks. However, the Storm were unable to deliver the timely hit to extend the game.

Olivia Hernandez got the start in the circle, striking out six over four innings of work. Ashley Larson and Addison Underwood provided relief appearances to close out the contest.

Next Up

The Crimson Storm will return to Tere Webber Field to host the Southern Arkansas Muleriders for the final two games of the series on Saturday, February 21, with first pitch of the doubleheader set for noon.