Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Arkansas-Monticello (pronounced mont-uh-sell-o) senior designated player Maggie Sands delivered a two out, two-run single in the bottom of the fifth inning to propel the Cotton Blossoms to a 2-1 win over Nebraska-Kearney Thursday afternoon in Bentonville, Ark.
 
UAM (8-2) is the host school of the 19-team, 7-State Classic. Earlier in the day, the Lopers (1-3) beat Ouachita Baptist of Arkansas, 2-0.
 
In the Monticello fifth, junior center fielder Beth Johnson led off with a single and, on the play, moved to second on a Loper error. She then advanced to third on an infield single by number eight hitter Taylor Norris.  After a ground ball moved Norris to second, Sands hit a single to left field.
 
UNK quickly responded, loading the bases in its half of the sixth on two singles and a hit batter. A UAM error brought home one Loper but senior lefty Randa Perry (4-1) got a ground out to strand three Kearney runners.
 
Grand Island junior center fielder Mackenzie Tomlin continues to swing a hot bat, going 3 for 4 from the two hole. On the mound, Bennington junior Bailey Backhuus threw a complete game six hitter, fanning three and walking one.
 
UNK plays Missouri Western State (noon) and SW Oklahoma State (2:00 p.m.) tomorrow.