DURANT, Okla. – The East Central University softball team aimed to salvage their series finale against rivals Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Thursday. However, a late comeback from the Savage Storm, including a walk-off two-run homer, solidified a 5-3 defeat in Durant for the Tigers.
 
With this result, the Tigers move to 17-22 overall and 8-16 in conference play as they quickly pivot to another GAC series against Arkansas Tech University, kicking off Friday, April 12 at 3 pm in Ada.
 
It was a captivating pitchers' duel for three innings before ECU would break the deadlock with Rikki Hadley's RBI double, driving in Jaicee Stott for the 1-0 lead.
 
The Tigers maintained the advantage for the next two frames, even pulling off a bases-loaded double play that thwarted the Storm's threat. However, Southeastern managed to rally in the sixth inning, tallying three runs on four hits and capitalizing on an ECU error to surge ahead 3-1.
 
Despite the setback, the Tigers immediately responded, starting with Rikki Hadley's clutch solo homer to right center that trimmed the deficit to 3-2. Following a pivotal single by Brooklyn Fleming and an executed sacrifice bunt by McKinley Feazle, Elyse LeClair singled through the right side, sending Fleming across home plate to tie the game 3-3.
 
Although ECU clawed their way back into the game, a decisive two-run homer ultimately sealed the 5-3 win for Southeastern.
 
Taylor Spence tossed a complete game, allowing five runs, four earned, and 11 hits in the loss.
 
Rikki Hadley paced the offense going 2-for-3 at the plate, highlighted by her first home run of the season. Elyse LeClair, Zoe Acosta, Jami Watson, and Brooklyn Fleming each registered one hit apiece.