Bentonville, Ark. – The SBU softball team opened their season with two thrilling games Friday afternoon at Memorial Park in Arkansas. They split both of these games defeating East Central University and falling to University of Arkansas Monticello (UAM).
 
Game one started out as a pitching battle between Bearcat sophomore Abby Leer and Tigers freshman Bradi Odom. Only three runs were scored combined in the first six innings until the Bearcats trailed 1-2 heading into the last. Sophomore Emily Titus opened the inning off with a double and eventually found her way home along with Lucy Sadewhite and Keeley Elsea for a 4-2 SBU lead. Leer allowed one run in the bottom half of the 7^th but strong defense held the Bearcats on for a 4-3 win and Leer's first win of the season.
 
UAM and SBU put their battle hats on for the second game of the day keeping the game scoreless until the 5^th. The teams each scored a run in back-to-back half innings, tying the game at one. But they decided seven innings were not enough forcing two extra innings of play before UAM added three runs in the 9^th securing the win.
 
On the day, Keeley Elsea and Emily Titus each had three hits leading the team. Joscelyn Bennett, Taylor Howard, and Ashley Gruben each added a hit of their own. Pitching wise, Leer continued form from her freshman season adding a sixth win to her career. In game two, Shalie Wooden started on the mound striking out three in 3.2 innings not allowing a run. Taylor Howard relieved her for 2.2 innings before freshman Cambri Van Loo came in for the final 2.2 innings.
 
Southwest Baptist softball will wrap up the Alvy Early Classic Saturday beginning at 11:00am against Northwest Missouri State. Then they will take on the Missouri Southern Lions at 1:30 p.m.