ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The Ouachita Tigers' softball team defeated East Central University 5-1 in an elimination game at the 2017 Great American Conference Championships on Thursday night in Bentonville, Ark. Sarah Johnson hit two home runs in the game, driving in four. Natalie Jackson also homered for Ouachita. The Tigers advance to face Arkansas Tech on Friday at 10:30 a.m. in an elimination game.

Ouachita jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Johnson connected on her first homerun, a solo shot over the wall in left center. Natalie Jackson followed with a solo homerun to left in the top of the fourth inning. Starter Kelsey O'Brien scattered four hits through the first four innings of the game. She gave up a solo homerun in the bottom of the fifth inning but retired the next three batters.

Ouachita led 2-1 heading into the the bottom of the sixth inning. Marissa Butler entered in relief in after ECU's leadoff double and retired the next three batters. In the top of the seventh inning, Johnson blasted a three-run shot to left center, scoring Kelly Powell and Cassie Cantu. Butler retired East Central in order in the bottom of the seventh, securing Ouachita's 5-1 victory.