(April 28, 2023) Harrison, Arkansas - With just a pair of doubleheaders left in the regular season, the Bucks have clinched a spot in the Region II Tournament next week on May 3rd-4th in Hot Springs. Now, the ladies are fighting for seeding in the tournament. Their weekend started with a doubleheader against North Arkansas. Earlier this season at Cummings-Cecil Field, the Bucks run-ruled the Lady Pioneers in both games.

Game One

The Bucks started the day much like the previous doubleheader with North Arkansas. The Bucks first 4 runs of the game came on a pair of solo home runs by Blaire Gentry (Lockesburg, AR) and a 2-run shot by Marli Huddleston (Bee Branch, AR). The ladies held a 4-2 lead after three innings. 

After a scoreless fourth, the Bucks exploded for 8 runs in the top of the fifth inning. The Bucks scored on a Huddleston ground out to start off the inning. Then, Abi West (Ida, AR) hit a RBI single followed by Chloe Durnal (Maumelle, AR) reaching on an error that scored a run. Then, Kirsten Sudderth (Forney, TX) got her day started with 3-run blast to centerfield to make it 10-2 to put the run-rule into play, but just for good insurance, Kylee Ward (Lowell, AR) hit a 2-RBI double to end the Bucks scoring in the game to make the final score of 12-2.

Starting pitcher Maddie Muller (Little Elm, TX) got the start on the mound in search for her 12th win of the season. Muller (12-7) would pitch all 5.0 innings, giving up a pair of earned runs. The freshmen would strike out 8 and walk a lone hitter in the outing. 

Game Two

The Bucks found themselves in an early 3-0 hole after an inning. The offense would come alive in the next two innings for 7 runs. Leah Wilkins (Van Buren, AR) got it started in the second with a solo blast Then, in the third, the Bucks put up a 6 spot, all with 2 outs. The inning was highlighted by a Blaire Gentry RBI double, a McKenna Bittle (Greer's Ferry, AR) 2-RBI single, and Kirsten Sudderth's second 3-run blast of the day. 

After a scoreless fourth, Tabry Jordan (Little Rock, AR) hit a RBI double in the top of the fifth, and Kirsten Sudderth hit her third home run of the day in the top of the seventh. The Lady Pioneers scored a pair in the bottom of the sixth, but the ladies held on to a 9-5 win to sweep the season series.

Blaire Gentry (7-7) pitched a complete game for the Bucks. The sophomore gave up 5 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits. She would strikeout 7 and walk 6 in the outing. 

On the day, JJ Bass (Joaquin, TX) stole a pair of bases, making her the new single season leader for stolen bases for Bucks Softball. 

The Bucks are now 15-7 in Region II and have a doubleheader left with #1 Murray State College on Sunday at Cummings-Cecil Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 pm.

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