MONTICELLO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello Softball team hosted the Crimson Storm of Southern Nazarene on Thursday afternoon for the series-opening doubleheader in the final GAC series of the season. The Blossoms reigned victorious in both games, taking game one 8-5 and game two 2-1.
Following the completion of the doubleheader, the Blossoms and UAM Athletics honored our four graduating seniors, outfielders Dacia Sexton and Aubree Goodnight, pitcher Kayla Olthouse, and P/1B Makenzie Martin.
Game 1, 7 Innings
Southern Nazarene: 5, Arkansas-Monticello: 8
WP: Makenzie Martin (8-11)
LP: Baylee Sales (13-9)
SV: Ronnie Johnson (1)
Scoring Recap:
Southern Nazarene struck first in the opening inning, scoring on an RBI single.
The Blossoms responded immediately in the bottom half as Dacia Sexton lifted a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Jolie Bazan to even the game at 1-1.
UAM took control in the third inning, scoring twice to pull ahead. Maddie Moore drew a walk to score Bazan, followed by Madelyn Willard working a walk to bring in Dacia Sexton, giving the Blossoms a 3-1 lead.
In the fourth, UAM added three more runs. Aubree Goodnight singled up the middle to score Lainey Tippen, Maddie Moore drew another bases-loaded walk to bring in Jade Keaton, and Carleigh Deeds added a sacrifice fly to score Bazan, extending the lead to 6-1.
The Savage Storm responded in the fifth, scoring three runs, highlighted by a two-RBI single and an unearned run to cut the deficit to 6-4.
UAM answered quickly in the bottom half as Lainey Tippen doubled down the left field line to score Vyanna Quezada, followed by Jade Keaton singling to left field to bring in Tippen and push the lead to 8-4.
Southern Nazarene added one final run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly, but Ronnie Johnson closed the door to secure her first save of the season.
Pitching Performances
– Makenzie Martin earned the win for UAM, throwing 5.1 innings and allowing five runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out one.
– Ronnie Johnson earned the save, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings while allowing no hits.
Offensive Showcase
– Jolie Bazan – 3-for-4 with 3 runs scored
– Maddie Moore – 1-for-2 with 2 RBI and 2 walks
– Lainey Tippen – 2-for-4 with 1 double, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
– Jade Keaton – 1-for-1 with 2 RBI
– Aubree Goodnight – 1-for-3 with 1 RBI
Game 2, 7 Innings
Southern Nazarene: 1, Arkansas-Monticello: 2
WP: Kayla Olthouse (3-9)
LP: Olivia Hernandez (9-11)
SV: Ronnie Johnson (2)
Scoring Recap:
The Blossoms struck early in the second inning to take control of the game. Aubree Goodnight singled to center field to score Ayrland Jiles, giving UAM a 1-0 lead.
Later in the inning, Jolie Bazan added another RBI single, this time on a bunt to the pitcher, scoring Lainey Tippen to extend the lead to 2-0.
Southern Nazarene broke through in the seventh inning on a single up the middle. Ronnie Johnson grabbed her second save of the day for the 2-1 victory and completed the Thursday sweep.
Pitching Performances
– Kayla Olthouse earned the win for UAM, allowing one run on six hits over 6.0 innings while striking out two batters.
– Ronnie Johnson recorded her second save in as many games, allowing just one hit in a scoreless 1.0 inning.
Offensive Showcase
– Aubree Goodnight – 1-for-3 with 1 RBI
– Jolie Bazan – 1-for-2 with 1 RBI and 1 walk
– Lainey Tippen – 0-for-1 with 1 run scored and 2 walks
UP NEXT
The Blossoms return to the field on Friday, May 1, as they close out the 2026 season with a 12:00 p.m. contest with the Crimson Storm.
All live streams and live stats will be available as clickable links on the UAM Softball schedule.
How to follow the Blossoms: For more information on Arkansas-Monticello Blossoms softball, visit www.uamsports.com and follow the team’s social media channels by searching “UAM Softball” on Twitter and Instagram.
#BlossomNation | #BuildYourHouse
Republished with permission from UAM Sports.
