ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The East Central University softball team claimed the Great American Conference series victory over Ouachita Baptist University with a convincing 5-1 win Saturday afternoon.
 
The win improves ECU to 11-13 overall and 8-6 in conference play.
 
Ouachita opened the scoring in the first after forcing a 1-2-3 inning in the top half.
 
ECU quickly answered back in the second, though, after Gabi Quintanilla led off with a single, Kenzie Lasker followed with a single as well, and Vanessa Tamayo drew a walk to load the bases with Rachelle Mengwasser at the plate. Mengwasser followed through with the third single of the inning to drive in Quintanilla and tie the game 1-1.
 
As Ouachita's offense grew quiet, ECU erupted in the fourth, adding three runs on four hits to take control of the game.
 
Lasker and Jami Watson singled before a pair of hits from Lasker and Mengwasser plated Lasker and Watson for the first two runs. With runners at second and third, Elyse LeClair's groundout sent Tamayo home for the 4-1 lead.
 
ECU added another run in the fifth after Lasker's sac bunt allowed Megan Lesko to cross home plate, and with Ouachita not able to bring anyone home, the orange and black Tigers would settle the score 5-1 for the series win.
 
Taylor Spence earned the win pitching a complete game, allowing just one run on three hits.
 
Kenzie Lasker went 3-for-3, while Megan Lesko, Vanessa Tamayo, and Rachelle Mengwasser had two hits apiece.
 
The East Central University softball team will be back in action on Tuesday, March 21 for a doubleheader against Midwestern State University in Ada, Oklahoma starting at 2 p.m.