MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The East Central University softball team closed out its road series against Southern Arkansas University on Saturday, falling 7-4 in game one and 7-0 in game two in Magnolia.
 
The Tigers will return home for their next Great American Conference series, hosting Arkansas-Monticello on April 17-18.
 
Southern Arkansas once again jumped out early in the opener, scoring two runs in the first inning before adding four more across the second and third to build a 6-0 lead.
 
The Tigers responded in the fifth inning, putting together their best offensive stretch of the day. Elyse LeClair drove in ECU's first run with an RBI single before Abbey Strong followed with a two-RBI double. Kenni Tudor added an RBI groundout as ECU plated four runs in the frame to cut the deficit to 6-4.
 
However, Southern Arkansas answered in the sixth with an RBI double to halt the momentum, and the Tigers were unable to complete the comeback, dropping game one 7-4.
 
ECU totaled four runs on six hits, led by Elyse LeClair, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Abbey Strong added a key two-RBI hit, while Haley Kruger also recorded two hits on the day. Hannah Whitaker chipped in a hit as the Tigers found offense midway through the game.
 
Lindsey Mauppin got the start, pitching 1.2 innings while allowing four runs. Kennedy Schroeder followed in relief, working 4.1 innings and allowing three runs on four hits to finish out the game.
 
In game two, the Muleriders once again took control early and kept ECU off balance at the plate. Southern Arkansas struck for two runs in the second inning and continued to build its lead with runs in the fourth and fifth, including a two-RBI double and a solo home run, to secure the 7-0 victory.
 
ECU was unable to generate offensive momentum in the finale, as Southern Arkansas limited opportunities and completed the sweep.
 
Offensively, ECU recorded four hits on the day, with Elyse LeClair, Abbey Strong, Hannah Whitaker, and Katelin Keller each collecting a hit.
 
In the circle, Bradi Odom got the start, working 4.1 innings with three strikeouts while allowing five earned runs. Addison Hughes provided a strong relief effort, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings and allowing just two hits to help limit further damage.