SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – The University of West Alabama's run through the Gulf South Conference Softball Tournament came to an end as the University of Arkansas at Monticello downed the Tigers 5-1 to eliminate the Red and White. UWA (34-16) outscored Arkansas Tech 7-4 in the opening contest.

The Tigers used a five-run, third inning to propel them to the three-run victory over the Golden Suns and oust ATU from the tournament field.

Already leading 1-0 on a leadoff home run by Anna Shartzer in the first inning, Rebecca Schick hit a 2-run, one out single up the middle to score Valisha Fincher and Taylor Beck. Ashley Frost then lifted a three-run, homer over the center field fence to extend the lead to 6-0.

After Tech added a pair of runs in the fourth inning to cut into the lead, UWA loaded the bases and Shartzer scored on a passed ball for the Red and White's final run of the contest. ATU would go on to add two more in the fifth inning, but couldn't overcome the early deficit set by the Tigers.

Kristen Skinner (17-6) tossed the full seven innings in the win. The Toxey, Ala., native surrendered all four runs on five hits while striking out four and walking a pair.

In the second game of the day, UAM used timely hitting and capitalized on UWA miscues to end the Tiger tournament run.

The Blossoms scored the first run of the contest in their first trip to the plate and extended the lead to 2-0 on a homer by Kayla Jackson. Jackson also logged the win in the circle for UAM with a complete game performance. Jackson allowed just one run on seven hits while tallying four strikeouts.

UAM added a pair in the sixth to push its lead out further.

UWA finally plated a run against the Blossoms in the home half of the sixth as Allison Lockhart, who was pinch running for Beck, scored on a fly out to right field.

The Blossoms added an insurance run the seventh to collect their second win over WA in the conference tournament.

Katie Ford (14-5) took the loss with 5.2 innings in the circle. Ford allowed four runs on five hits with two strikeouts and three walks. Hannah Griffin tossed a third of an inning while allowing a run, walking three and fanning one. Skinner tossed the final inning in relief.

West Alabama now waits to hear from the NCAA Regional Committee and the naming of the South Regional field.

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