PINE BLUFF, Arkansas --The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Lady Lions took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never surrendered the advantage on the way to a 4-1 victory over the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Monday at the Torii Hunter Softball Complex.  

Freshman Kayla Adams started in the circle and picked up the win for UAPB. The right-hander went seven innings, giving up one run on three hits, allowing no walks and striking out seven.

Junior Amari Broughton led the way offensively for the Lady Lions, going 1-for-3 in the ballgame with two RBI. Sophomore Jazlyn Gomez compiled a standout performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-3 with an RBI. Senior Samaria Jackson also helped out, going 1-for-3 for UAPB with an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Lady Lions got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the bottom the first inning with the game still scoreless. UAPB scored three runs in the frame, highlighted by a Broughton.

The Lady Lions then held the Leathernecks scoreless before expanding their lead in the fourth inning. Freshman Jada Crusterson came across to score the lone run of the inning for UAPB, which brought the Lady Lions lead to 4-0. Western Illinois put one run on the scoreboard before the game was over, but UAPB still held on for the 4-1 win.

GAME NOTES

» Adams struck out seven Leathernecks hitters.
» UAPB's highest scoring inning was the first, when it pushed three runs across.
» UAPB took a 3-0 lead in the bottom half of the first and didn't surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
» The Lady Lions out-hit the Leathernecks at an 8-3 clip.
» UAPB pitchers faced 25 Western Illinois hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and 11 fly balls while striking out seven.
» Broughton led the Lady Lions at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI.