Searcy, Ark. – The SAU Softball team started off their conference schedule with a win in game one of their four-game series on Sunday, scoring five runs in the ninth inning to give them the win.

The Bisons got on the board first with a two-out rally that saw them score a pair of runs on a bases-loaded double.

The Muleriders took the lead in the top of the sixth courtesy of a Chelsea Fagan three-run home run, her league-leading seventh of the season. The Bisons manufactured two runs in the bottom of the inning to retake the lead before Sarah Evans hit her third home run of the season to tie the game at four runs apiece.

Ryah Kaniho led off the ninth inning with a pinch-hit single before Hallie Saintignan replaced her on the base paths. Faith Otts doubled to move Saintignan to third, and both runners scored on a Savannah Martinez double. Fagan subsequently walked, and Sarah Pitre cleared the bases with her third home run of the season.

Victoria Taylor picked up a no-decision in this start, only going three innings, allowing three hits and two runs, and only striking out four batters. Brooke Ford-Nelson then replaced her, throwing two innings, allowing seven hits and two runs. Elisa Favela came into the circle in relief and threw four innings as she picked up her first win of the season in her first appearance. The Ewa Beach, Hawaii native only allowed three hits and one run, striking out three in the process.

In game two, the Muleriders hold a 4-3 lead through five innings. The Muleriders got on the board in the top of the third after Laina Suesue scored on a Rachel Miller single. Kaniho scored the next at-bat via a wild pitch. Otts hit a two-run homerun to push the Muleriders out to a 4-0 lead; however, the Bisons responded with three runs in the bottom of the fifth against pitcher Sydney Wader.

The score currently stands at 4-3 at the top of the sixth inning; the game will resume on Monday morning at 11 a.m. before both teams take part in their previously scheduled doubleheader.