ADA – After having a week off, the East Central University softball team will return to the field this weekend at the UAM 8-State Classic in Bentonville, Ark., Feb. 17-19.  This is the fourth year that the Tigers have participated in tournament against teams from across the NCAA Central Region.

ECU will play six games over the three days, starting with a 9 a.m. games against Wayne State, Friday, Feb. 17.  The Tigers will also face Missouri-St. Louis 3 p.m. Friday.  Saturday's games are set for 11 a.m. against William Jewell and 1 p.m. vs. Washburn.  Sunday, ECU will battle Fort Hays State (1 p.m.) and Northeastern State (3 p.m.).

The Tigers went 5-1 in the opening games of the season in Durant, Okla., and the Southeastern Regional Invitational.  ECU was led by sophomore Mariah Ewy, with a .667 average, one run and two hits.  Freshman Catherine Barrera added a .500 average, a run, seven hits and six RBIs.

Freshman Karlie Milburn went 3-0 in the circle, with a 0.50 ERA, a complete game-shut out, 14 total innings, nine hits, two runs and four Ks.

Wayne State and William Jewell will both be playing their first games of the season this weekend, with Wayne State playing their first game of the year against ECU.

Missouri-St. Louis comes into the tournament with a 6-4 record, Washburn is 2-9, Fort Hays State 1-4 and Northeastern State 1-3 on the year.