TROY, Ala. - The University of Central Arkansas softball team had another tough day at the Quality Inn Classic hosted by Troy University on Saturday. The Bears (1-8) lost to North Florida 4-3 in eight innings, then to Bradley 4-1 in the nightcap. UCA will try to rebound next weekend at the QTI Powers Invitational hosted by Baylor.
Against UNF (3-5), the Bears took a lead in the top of the first when sophomore shortstop Melissa Bryant drew a bases loaded walk, playing freshman center fielder Kelvon Greer. UCA made the game 3-0 in the second when junior first baseman Kasey Britt hit a two-run double that scored Greer and sophomore second baseman Preslie Long.
Bear sophomore pitcher Kelsie Armstrong limited the Ospreys to just two hits over the first six innings, but catcher Jesse Reese and shortstop Kelly Dill both singled in the bottom seventh before Mariah Reynolds hit a home run to tie the game.
UNF won the game in the bottom of the eighth when right fielder Marissa Thomas hit a single that scored Brittany Hendrix from third base.
Catcher Melanie Bryant went 2-for-3 at the plate for the Bears.
Osprey pitcher Chie Someya (1-0) earned the win by striking out two and allowing one walk and three hits in six innings of relief. Armstrong (1-5) struck out six and gave up five hits, three earned runs and walk over 7.2 innings.
Bradley (2-6) outhit UCA 9-6 in the final game. The Braves scored on a throwing error in the first and on a RBI-single from Allison Kresl in the second. Alex Chandler connected on a two-run single in the sixth to give BU a 4-0 lead.
UCA scored in the bottom of the sixth when Britt doubled and later crossed the plate on a Katie McGregor sacrifice fly.
Greer led UCA with two hits against Bradley.
Madeline Lynch-Crumrine got the win for the Braves by allowing six hits, one run and three walks with four strikeouts. Sophomore Cami Newsome (0-2) allowed five hits, one earned run and walked one while fanning two in five innings. McGregor struck out one in two scoreless, hitless innings of relief.
