Southern Arkansas University blinked first on Thursday, and when the Lady Muleriders made their mistake Arkansas Tech University was ready to pounce.
The Golden Suns scored the tying and go-ahead runs on an SAU fourth-inning error and went on to earn a 4-3 victory in an opening-round softball game at the NCAA Division II Tournament Central Regional in Edmond, Okla.
With the win, nationally 12th-ranked Arkansas Tech (45-13) advances to the winners’ bracket to face nationally top-ranked University of Central Oklahoma (46-5) at noon on Friday, May 10.
Live coverage will be provided by KARV 101.3 FM/610 AM and www.arkansastechsports.com.
Ashton Sangster and Tymber Riley came home on SAU’s error to give Arkansas Tech a 4-3 advantage.
Bailey Shaffer preserved that one-run lead the rest of the way, limiting the Lady Muleriders to one hit over three innings of relief work. Shaffer was credited with her sixth save of 2019.
Kristen Dempsey (15-3) was the winning pitcher. She started in the circle for ATU and went four innings, allowing three runs on three hits.
It was the 17th consecutive victory for the Golden Suns, who improved to 5-0 this season against the 2019 Great American Conference regular season champions.
