ARKADELPHIA, ARK. – The East Central University softball team struggled in the opening two games of the four-game Great American Conference series at Henderson State, falling 3-2 in both games of the day.

The Tigers (13-15, 8-10 GAC) was led at the plate by juniors Aundrea Hamric and Mariah Ewy.  Hamric hit .600, with three hits and a run, while Ewy added three hits.  Junior Bridget Gleason led the team with two of ECU's four RBIs for the day.

The teams will wrap up the series, Saturday, March 23 with a doubleheader starting at noon.

HSU 3, ECU 2
The Tigers were the first to get a run on the scoreboard, going up 1-0 after the third inning. Hamric started the inning with a double and was advanced to third when senior Alissa Taylor grounded out to second.  That allowed senior Claresha Clemons to earn an RBI with a sacrifice fly to right field.

It took until the bottom of the fourth for the Reddies (17-12, 9-9 GAC) to score, but they took a 3-1 lead. 

Both teams remained scoreless in the fifth before ECU was able to cut the deficit to one with a single run in the sixth.  This time it was junior Breecia Crawford who hit a leadoff double and then scored when junior Kahlie Barrett singled.

The first three HSU batters were retired in the bottom of the sixth giving the Tigers one last chance.  After the first two batters were retired, Taylor drew a walk, but the next batter flew out to center to end the game with a 3-2 score for the Reddies.

HSU 3, ECU 2
The Tigers were again the first score, takes a 2-0 run after the top of the second inning.  Barrett started the inning by drawing a walk and scored when Gleason hit a home run to left field.

HSU wasted no time responding and tied the game at two after the second inning.  The Reddies then added another run in the third for the 3-2 lead.

ECU had chances to score in the sixth and seventh innings, but were unable to get a run across the plate for the 3-2 loss.