RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. -- The SBU softball team earned a split on the opening day of their 2009 season. The Bearcats fell in game one 10-1 to Arkansas-Monticello before topping the host Arkansas Tech 9-6 at the Arkansas Tech Spring Slam Tournament.

Krysta Baderdeen drove in the only run for the Bearcats in the opener. Brittney Wood took the loss as UAM jumped on SBU for five runs in the first inning.

Sophomore pitcher Josie Rosie went all seven innings for the win in game two, striking out five. Nina Amaro Garcia was 3-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. The Bearcats stole six bases including three thefts by Katrina Munoz.

Coach Christy Capner said, "It came down to the little things. We started swinging the bats in the second game and were aggressive on the base paths. We were disappointed with our defense in both games. It was obvious we hadn't been outside."

SBU continues action at the Spring Slam Tournament on Saturday with an 11 a.m. contest with Ouachita Baptist and a 3 p.m. rematch with Arkansas-Monticello.

UAM 10, SBU 1
SBU 9, ATU 6