WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. — The Lady Raiders used up all their pop in the opener Tuesday. Three Rivers College hit three home runs to beat Williams Baptist 11-3 in the opener, then managed three hits in a five-inning, 9-1 loss in the nightcap. "It was a combination of a short field and a super slow pitcher and everybody was overanxious. It seemed like the deeper the game got the harder we were trying and it was going the wrong way," Three Rivers coach Jeff Null said. "We played well the first game … The second game, they threw a girl throwing super slow and we popped up, popped up, popped up." Randi Scruggs, Lexi Morris and Brittany Link all went yard for the Lady Raiders. It was the first time this season the Lady Raiders have hit three home runs in a game and the third multi-home run game for the team. Scruggs opened the day with a leadoff home run, and Morris quickly followed with a second solo shot in the top of the first inning. It was part of a four run opening frame, and Three Rivers was ahead 8-3 when Link opened the fifth inning with a third solo home run. Three Rivers (19-18) had 16 hits as a team in the opener. Link led the offense with three hits and four RBIs. Scruggs, MaKayla Lamphier and Kabrien Rogers each drove in two runs. Courtney Slayton scored three times, and Morris scored twice. "We were patient and they got some pitches up and we just made the most of it," Null said. "Ally (Hendricks) hit another ball off the top of the fence and I think Lamphier did, as well."

Maci Coleman (2-2) pitched four innings to pick up her second win of the season. She allowed six hits, including a solo home run, and one walk with one strikeout. "It was good to get Maci out there, get her some time on the mound," Null said. Williams Baptist scored a run in each of the first three innings, but got just one hit over the final three. Carleigh Burnett, in relief, retired the side in the sixth. In the nightcap, Three Rivers batted one over the minimum through three innings, and leadoff hitter Morgan Ledure was the only person to get three at bats. Wiley Lowry, Morris and Lamphier each singled for the Lady Raiders, who also drew two walks. "We looked a little tired yesterday after going to Columbia and having another long trip," said Null, referencing upcoming Saturday and Sunday doubleheaders at State Fair and then Crowder. "We're going to have a light practice today and then we have a travel day tomorrow. Hopefully we can get rested up." Lowry (9-8) pitched in the loss in the nightcap.