Clarksville, Ark.-The University of the Ozarks softball team scored four runs in the sixth to break a 3-3 tie and take a 7-3 win over Hendrix College Wednesday.
The game one win also broke an 18-game losing skid for the Lady Eagles (6-26). Hendrix (10-22) used a four-run second inning to claim a 9-6 win in the nightcap.
Trailing 2-0, Ozarks recorded five hits and scored three runs in the second inning of game one as Arlisa Arwood, Ali Mathis and Kelsey Mefford each had RBI in the frame. The game stayed tied until the bottom of the sixth when Ozarks produced three straight hits, with Arwood, Colbey Russo, Whitley Borin and Mathis each receiving RBI. Ozarks got a strong pitching performance from Arwood, who was inserted in the third with no outs and a pair of runners in scoring position. Arwood worked her way out of the jam and allowed just one hit in that frame. Arwood posted four shutout innings after the third to take the win. Arwood (2-5) helped her own cause by driving in a pair of runs in the contest.
Kelsey Stephens went 3-for-3. Mathis went 2-for-4 with two RBI.
In game two, Ozarks trailed 5-0 after two, but responded with three runs in the third inning. Stephens and Arwood drew bases loaded walks, and Russo singled up the middle to drive in another run. The Warriors later built a 9-3 lead, but Ozarks got within 9-5 in the bottom of the sixth. Stephens doubled in a run and Heather Roberts singled in another in the inning. Ozarks brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh with one out, but Hendrix pitcher Jaclyn Herrera picked up a complete game with back-to-back outs to end the contest.
Mefford finished 3-for-4 with two runs.
Rebecca Groff (0-2) received the loss.
For video highlights of the game, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dlw7fOxiqA
Ozarks will travel to Clinton, Mississippi, to face Mississippi College April 8-9.
Topics: Athletics