BENTONVILLE, Ark. - The Ouachita Tigers (4-1) women's softball team defeated Southwest Baptist University 3-2 in their opening game of the UAM 8-State Classic. Macy Nantz improved to 3-0 and drove in two of the Tigers three runs.

The Tigers scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early lead. Kailey Madden got the Tigers started with a double to center field. She was able to advance to third when Sarah Johnson reached first on an error by the Southwest catcher. Johnson moved to second on the next at bat. With two outs, Nantz singled to center field, driving in both runs to give Ouachita a 2-0 lead.

Ouachita held Southwest Baptist scoreless until the top of the fifth, when the Bearcats scored two unearned runs. With the score tied 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth, Suzie Gresham scored the go-ahead run for the Tigers to regain the lead, 3-2.

Nantz retired the side in order in the top of the sixth. In the top of the seventh, the Bearcats had a runner on second with two outs. Southwest hit a single to right field that looked to tie the game. Ouachita's Kate Lacina fielded the ball and threw the Bearcat base-runner out at home plate to preserve the Tigers' win.

Nantz went seven innings , allowing no earned runs and striking out four. She went 1-3 at the plate with two RBI. Kate Lacina went 1-2 at the plate an recorded one assist.