Box Score BENTONVILLE, Ark. - The potent Southern Arkansas offense came out hot by scoring twice in the first and seven times in the second en route to a 9-3 victory against seventh-seeded Arkansas-Monticello.

Sarah Higginbotham plated the first two runs of the game for the Lady Muleriders (33-23) with a double to right-center. An inning later, SAU sent 11 batters to plate scoring seven times. Taylor Guin and GAC Freshman of the Year Shelby Miller opened the scoring with run-scoring hits. Chelsea Ivy collected two hits and an RBI in the inning; Higginbotham added two RBI with a single; Leigha Doyle knocked home two more with a single. The seven runs tied the GAC Softball Championship single-inning record. 

The Cotton Blossoms (26-29) pulled to within six by scoring three times in the third inning. The first three hitters reached base safely to load the bases.  McKenzie Rice brought home the first run with a run-scoring groundout. Hannah Pendley and Kali Piha both scored on a throwing error.

Hanna Gill improved to 10-3 as she threw her ninth complete game. She had seven strikeouts and did not walk a batter. Higginbotham's four RBI tied the GAC Softball Championship single-game record, set three times previously.

Both teams will play again at 6 p.m. The Lady Muleriders will play Henderson State at the Tiger Athletic Complex. Meanwhile, the Cotton Blossoms will face Arkansas Tech at Memorial Park. The GAC Sports Network will carry the SAU-HSU game.