ADA, Okla. – After splitting the series-opening doubleheader on March 14, the East Central University softball team hosted Southeastern Oklahoma State University for the series finale, falling just short 4-3 Tuesday afternoon in Ada.
 
The loss drops ECU to 18-20 overall and 11-13 in conference play.
 
Taia Harris got the start in the circle and tossed two scoreless innings before surrendering three runs in the third off back-to-back homers from Southeastern.
 
The Tigers would turn to Taylor Spence out of the bullpen to settle the game down and get out of the jam in the top of the third with a strikeout.
 
ECU quickly responded in the home half with three runs of their own, though, as Elyse LeClair singled and Jayna Reid drew a walk before Gabi Quintanilla doubled to center field to drive in both runners. Then, with Quintanilla in scoring position, Kenzie Lasker hit a double of her own to plate Quintanilla and tie the game 3-all.
 
The fourth and fifth frames were quiet until the top of the sixth when a Southeastern RBI double allowed the Savage Storm to regain the lead 4-3 and take the final game of the GAC rivalry series.
 
Taylor Spence took the loss, going 4.1 innings and giving up one run on three hits.
 
Vanessa Tamayo picked up two hits, while Elyse LeClair, Megan Lesko, Gabi Quintanilla, Kenzie Lasker, and Rachelle Mengwasser each had one.
 
The East Central University softball team will hit the road for a GAC series with Arkansas Tech University starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 14.