BENTONVILLE, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University softball team wrapped up the Alvy Early Memorial Classic on Sunday afternoon as they took on Northwest Missouri State University and Northeastern State University. SAU took a split on the day as they took down NWMSU 6-4 in nine innings and fell to NSU 3-0.

SAU finished the weekend in Bentonville with a 3-2 record as they also picked up wins over Missouri Western State University and Maryville University. The Muleriders will play in one more tournament next weekend before they return to Magnolia to host their home opener.

SAU 6 NWMSU 4

Seven innings would not be enough for the Muleriders in game one as they used nine innings to take down NWMSU after being tied 4-4 after seven innings. The Bearcats got the scoring started in the bottom of the second inning on a two run shot from Grace Ruehle. The Muleriders would plate one run in the top of the third as Jade Miller was able to come around and score after reaching first base on a bunt single. Sarah Evans was able to double home Miller for the first SAU run of the game.

NWMSU would plate two more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning on their second home run of the game to take a 4-1 lead. SAU would however come out swinging in the top of the fifth inning and tie the game at 4-4 as they posted three runs. Lamar University grad transfer Taylor Murphy got the inning started with a single to left field, and would eventually come around to score after Alese Casper would get her into scoring position at second base on a single to left field. Scoring position would not matter as Evans was able to clear the bases on a three run home run.

After three scoreless innings, Murphy would once again get the inning started as she got on base with a walk, and would score on a two RBI home run from the bat of Jade Miller to give the Muleriders a 6-4 lead. Kiana Pogroszewski was able to get the final three outs in the circle to give SAU the victory and her first victory of her career.

Pogroszewski came into relieve starter Sydney Ward in the bottom of the third inning and would go on to strike out six batters over 7.0 innings, while allowing two runs on six hits for the win. Jade Miller led SAU with three hits including the go ahead home run and two RBI. Evans led the Muleriders with four RBI on two hits, with both being extra base hits. Tiare Lee and Murphy also had two hits in the win, while Jade Miller and Murphy both had two runs.

NSU 3 SAU 0

Much like the weather, the Muleriders bats went cold in the second game of the day as they took on Northeastern State University. Jade Miller and Murphy both had a hit for SAU in the loss. NSU used a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning to plate the first run of the game, followed by an RBI single and an RBI double in the sixth inning. Macie Welch took the loss in the circle as she pitched six innings and allowed three runs on four hits while striking out five.

SAU will head to the Sooner State next weekend as they are slated to play five games in the Oklahoma Christian/University of Central Oklahoma Tournament.