WRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Top-seeded Eastern Oregon opened the NAIA Softball National Championships with an 8-3 victory over fifth-seeded Spring Arbor University on Tuesday.

Spring Arbor got on the board in the first inning after Grace Lentz scored on a wild pitch. The Mountaineers responded quickly in the bottom of the first with Addison Ribordy scoring on a wild pitch to tie the game at 1-1. Haley Tyree then tripled to right center, bringing home Madelyn Durham and Ribordy, giving the Mountaineers a 3-1 lead.

The offensive onslaught continued in the third inning, with Durham driving in Evans on a single up the middle. Maddy Stateler added to the lead with a sacrifice fly, bringing in Truh Merriman. Kelly Monaghan singled to third base and brought home Durham, extending EOU’s lead to 6-1.

Eastern Oregon added two more runs in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a fielding error by Spring Arbor. Despite the Cougars late attempts to rally in the seventh inning it wasn’t enough to overcome the Mounties’ lead.

Katelynn Evans finished the day with three hits and scored three times for the Mounties.

Kaylie Hoskins delivered a stellar performance in the circle for EOU. Hoskins went the distance, allowing just two hits while striking out 13 batters.

EOU advances to take on the No. 2-seeded Gwinnett College at noon EST on May 15.