HATTIESBURG,Miss. – The University of Central Arkansas lost the first game of the 2011season, falling to Kennesaw State 4-2 at the Southern Miss Mizuno Classic on Saturday. '

With two outs in the bottom of the fourth, KSU first baseman Ashlee Burkett singled up the middle, reached third on a Jessica Cross double and scored on a base hit by left fielder Sharon Swanson.

In the top of the fifth, UCA senior designated player Shay Ristau reached base on an error. Sophomore pinch runner Lindsey Barsoum then stole second and scored on a single up the middle by junior pinch hitter Katie McGregor, tying the game at 1-1.

With one out in the bottom of the sixth, the Owls took a 4-1 lead after Burkett and Cross reached on back-to-back walks and Swanson hit a three-run homer that barely got over the fence in left center field.

UCA added a final run in the top of the seventh when sophomore shortstop Melissa Bryant led off with a single and later scored after an error and a Cross wild pitch.

McGregor and Bryant each had a hit for the Bears. Swanson led the Owls by going 2-for-3 with four RBI.

Cross struck out 11 and walked two to earn the win. Sophomore Kelsie Armstrong suffered the loss with seven strikeouts and three walks in six innings.

UCA will take on host Southern Miss at 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon.