Arkansas-Monticello swept a Great American Conference softball doubleheader from the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns at Blossoms Field in Monticello on Friday.
UAM won by scores of 1-0 and 4-3.
The Cotton Blossoms improved to 26-10 overall and 14-2 in the GAC, while the Golden Suns fell to 14-20 overall and 8-12 in league play.
Kayla Jackson pitched a four-hit shutout to lead Arkansas-Monticello to a 1-0 win over Arkansas Tech in game one.
Jackson struck out nine and walked none as she improved to 17-4 on the season.
UAM’s Sara Matthews drove in the only run of game one with an RBI double in the bottom of the first inning.
Victoria Huie went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles for the Golden Suns. Tech’s Natalie Magie and Maddie Roncketto had one hit apiece.
Huie (8-7) was the losing pitcher in the opener. She allowed one run on five hits while striking out three and walking three in six innings.
UA-Monticello won game two 4-3 on a Jackson RBI in the bottom of the sixth inning. She was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force home what proved to be the winning run.
Jackson made that one-run lead stand up by pitching a scoreless top of the seventh, but not before the Golden Suns put together a threat.
Tech’s Alicia Zack reached on a fielder’s choice and made it all the way to third base with two out. She was stranded there when Jackson recorded a strike out to end the game.
Jackson pitched the final two innings to earn the victory and run her record to 18-4.
Matthews went 2-for-3 with two RBIs to pace the Cotton Blossom attack in the nightcap.
Ashton Long went 3-for-3 for the Golden Suns. The three hits were a new career high for the freshman from Springdale.
Rachel Keeton (5-12) was the losing pitcher in game two. She surrendered four runs on nine hits in five and one-third innings.
Arkansas Tech and UAM will play another GAC softball doubleheader at Blossoms Field in Monticello on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
Click here to access live statistics courtesy of the UAM Sports Information Department.
Click here to learn more about Golden Suns softball.
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