EDMOND, Okla.– The tandem of Kristen Dempsey and Bailey Shaffer combined to hold No. 17 Southern Arkansas to five hits, while timely hitting by the Arkansas Tech offense led the way as the No. 12 Golden Suns (45-12) topped SAU (45-12) 4-3 in the opening round of the Central Region 1 Championship on Thursday at Broncho Stadium.

NEXT UP

The Golden Suns play the Central Oklahoma/Minnesota Duluth winner in a winners' bracket game at noon on Friday, May 10.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS LINEUP

Laina Suesue (C)

Sarah Evans (SS)

Faith Otts (3B)

Elisa Favela (DP)

Chelsea Fagan (1B)

Savannah Martinez (LF)

Rachel M...