Bentonville, Ark. — St. Edward's softball battled throughout Friday morning but could not break through offensively, falling 6-0 to undefeated Southern Arkansas at the Alvy Early Classic in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Southern Arkansas capitalized on early momentum with a pair of solo home runs in the first to seize control. Southern Arkansas added two unearned runs in the third and extended its lead with a two-run double in the fifth to build a six-run cushion.

After the early deficit, St. Edward's pitching staff settled in and limited further damage. Junior Jocelyn Cortez worked two innings in relief, navigating traffic and keeping the Hilltoppers within reach. Freshman Marissa Aguilar delivered one of the game's most encouraging stretches, tossing two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and inducing six ground-ball outs.

Southern Arkansas finished with eight hits, but the Hilltoppers' defense and bullpen effort prevented the contest from getting out of hand. Aguilar's late-game efficiency highlighted St. Edward's continued growth inside the circle as the pitching staff found its rhythm against a strong offensive opponent.

Offensively, St. Edward's continued to battle at the plate despite facing a dominant performance from Southern Arkansas pitcher Emma Duncan, who held the Hilltoppers hitless across seven innings.

St. Edward's returns to action looking to carry forward the bullpen's momentum and continue its development as the Hilltoppers face the remainder of tournament play this weekend.