MONTICELLO, Ark. – Southern Nazarene closed out its series at Arkansas-Monticello on Friday afternoon, but an early surge from the Blossoms proved too much to overcome as the Crimson Storm fell 8-2, as UAM claimed the series sweep.
The Crimson Storm (27-28, 17-16 GAC) struck first, manufacturing a run in the opening inning. Quinlyn Johnson worked a leadoff walk, stole second, and eventually came around to score on an RBI groundout from Eden Anderson to give SNU a quick 1-0 edge.
That momentum was quickly erased in the bottom half as Arkansas-Monticello (17-32, 10-23 GAC) responded with a six-run first inning. The Blossoms strung together timely extra-base hits, including a two-run double and a two-run home run, to seize a 6-1 advantage before the Storm could settle in.
Southern Nazarene chipped away in the third inning after Kristen Mullendore reached and moved into scoring position. Adyson Gaddis delivered with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 6-2, but that would be as close as the Storm would get.
UAM added a pair of insurance runs in the fourth, taking advantage of a defensive miscue and an RBI double to extend the lead to 8-2.
Despite the early damage, the Storm pitching staff settled in. Megan Wilson and Kelsi Hilton combined to hold the Blossoms scoreless over the final 5.2 innings.
Southern Nazarene threatened in the fifth, and again in the seventh with multiple baserunners aboard, but couldn't deliver the timely hit needed to spark a rally, ultimately falling 8-2.
Gaddis led the Storm at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance and an RBI, while Mullendore added two hits and Johnson reached base and scored in the leadoff spot.
Next Up
The Crimson Storm now turn their attention to the postseason as they prepare for the Great American Conference tournament in Bentonville. The tournament is scheduled to run from Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9 at the Tiger Athletic Complex.
