The Ouachita Baptist University softball team salvaged a split Wednesday afternoon, falling 7-3 in eight innings to Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but taking the second game of the doubleheader, 7-4, at Sully Anderson Field.
In the opener, the Lady Lions jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but Ouachita scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to grab a 3-1 advantage.
With one out in the frame, Monica Davis reached on an error and advanced to second on a wild pitch. With two down, Haley Chambers singled to left-center to plate Davis. Whitley Hoppe, who pinch ran for Chambers, stole second and scored on Taylor Austin’s two-run homer.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff tied the game with a run in the top of the sixth and seventh to force extra innings. The Lady Lions scored four in the eighth to get the win.
Kristen Rigsbee took the loss on the mound for the Lady Tigers (11-9). She surrendered seven runs (five earned) on nine hits with four walks and nine strikeouts.
In the second game, Ouachita scored six runs in the firs two innings to cruise to a 7-4 victory.
Randi Wilson began the bottom of the first with a single down the left-field line. Davis followed with a base hit through the left side as Wilson stopped at second. After a sacrifice by Rigsbee, which advanced the runners a base, Chambers grounded out to first to plate Wilson. Austin followed with a single to left to score Davis to give the Lady Tigers a 2-0 lead.
Ouachita added four more runs in the bottom of the second.
Alexis Johns walked to begin the inning and advanced all the way to third on a sacrifice bunt by Emily Matthews. Jana Deen reached on an error, allowing Johns to score easily from third. Wilson singled and advanced to second as Deen took third on the play. With two outs, Rigsbee walked to load the bases. Chambers also drew a base on balls to plate Deen. Austin reached on an error, allowing Wilson and Rigsbee to score.
Sara Hanson took the win by pitching a complete game. She surrendered four runs (three earned) on eight hits with six walks and nine strikeouts.
Ouachita opens Gulf South Conference West Division play 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7 at rival Henderson State.
