BETHANY, Okla. - Southern Nazarene looked to carry momentum into Friday's doubleheader after taking game one of the series over Arkansas Tech, but the Golden Suns had other plans as they took both games of the doubleheader to claim the series in Bethany.

Game 1

SNU (24-22, 14-10 GAC) matched Arkansas Tech (31-9, 20-4 GAC) hit-for-hit, tallying eight knocks on the afternoon, but struggled to capitalize on key opportunities. The Golden Suns struck first in the second inning, using a two-out RBI single to take an early 1-0 lead. 

Olivia Hernandez delivered a solid outing in the circle for the Storm, going the distance while allowing just three runs on seven hits and striking out five. She kept SNU within striking distance throughout, working out of multiple jams and holding ATU scoreless through the middle innings.

Southern Nazarene threatened several times, putting runners on in four different innings, but couldn't break through against Arkansas Tech's Moore, who kept the Storm off the scoreboard through the first five frames. 

The Crimson Storm finally got on the board in the sixth inning. Eden Anderson and Adyson Gaddis sparked the rally with back-to-back singles before Presley Brott ripped a double to right-center, driving in Anderson to cut the deficit to 2-1.

However, Arkansas Tech answered in the top of the seventh with an RBI double to extend the lead back to two runs. SNU was unable to respond in the bottom half, going down in order to close out the game.

Game 2

After securing the series opener and coming up just short in game one of the doubleheader, SNU looked to close things out on a high note behind Baylee Sales in the circle. The junior delivered a strong start, keeping the Golden Suns off the board through the first four innings while working around early traffic.

The Crimson Storm broke through first in the bottom of the fourth inning thanks to a spark from Eden Anderson. Anderson launched a solo home run to left field, her third of the series, giving SNU a 1-0 lead.

However, Arkansas Tech responded in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a leadoff double and stringing together timely hits. The Golden Suns plated two runs in the frame, using a sacrifice fly and an RBI single to take a 2-1 advantage.

SNU struggled to find offensive rhythm against ATU's pitching, managing just two hits on the afternoon. Despite the limited opportunities, the Storm remained within striking distance.

Ashley Larson provided a bright spot out of the bullpen, tossing two scoreless innings and keeping Arkansas Tech from adding insurance runs late.

Southern Nazarene had chances to spark a rally but was unable to push across the tying run, as the Golden Suns retired the final nine batters to secure the win.

Next Up

The Crimson Storm will hit the road as they travel to take on Harding in Searcy, Arkansas. The two teams are set to play a doubleheader on Friday, April 17 at 4:00 pm and a single game on Saturday, April 18 at noon.