BENTONVILLE, Ark. — After falling behind early, St. Edward's softball refused to let the game slip away quietly.

The Hilltoppers answered a pair of home runs with timely hitting and steady pitching, cutting a four-run deficit to one and bringing the tying run to the plate in the final inning before Arkansas Tech closed the door on a 4-3 victory over the Hilltoppers on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Park in the Alvy Early Memorial Classic.

Arkansas Tech struck first in the opening inning with Aaliyah Dixon's solo home run, then extended its lead in the third on Aubree Jones's three-run blast that created early separation. 

Despite the setback, St. Edward's remained composed behind starter KYLEN PADGETT, who settled into a rhythm and limited further damage across her complete-game effort. Padgett allowed just three hits over seven innings while working through five walks and keeping the Hilltoppers within reach.

St. Edward's began to shift momentum in the fourth inning. JERZIE PELHAM opened the frame with a single and advanced into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. An Arkansas Tech error allowed Pelham to cross the plate, putting the Hilltoppers on the board and igniting the dugout.

The Hilltoppers' biggest swing came in the fifth.

ALYSSA BURDGE delivered the moment St. Edward's needed with a two-run home run to right field, cutting the deficit to 4-3 and bringing the Hilltoppers within striking distance as momentum shifted firmly in their favor.

From there, Padgett and the Hilltopper defense did their part. St. Edward's retired six of the next seven batters, keeping the game within one and setting the stage for a final push.

The Hilltoppers threatened in the seventh when Darian DeLeon worked a two-out walk to bring the potential tying run aboard, but Arkansas Tech's bullpen closed the door to preserve the narrow win.

St. Edward's finished with seven hits, including multi-hit performances from Burdge and Vidales. Burdge led the Hilltoppers with two RBIs, while Padgett's complete-game effort provided the stability needed to fuel the comeback attempt.

Despite the early deficit, the Hilltoppers' response reflected their resilience. St. Edward's chipped away inning by inning, showing the ability to create momentum and apply pressure late against a quality opponent.

The Hilltoppers will look to carry that momentum forward as tournament play continues.