WACO, Texas - The University of Central Arkansas softball team defeated Louisiana-Monroe 4-1 in the opening game of the Baylor QTI Powers Invitational Friday morning. Junior pitcher Cami Newsome struck out a career-high seven batters and allowed just three hits to lead the Bears (2-8) on the mound. The Warhawks drop to 7-5 on the season.

Sophomore shortstop Melissa Bryant hit a solo home run to right field in the bottom of the first to put UCA up 1-0. Sophomore left fielder Lindsey Barsoum led the fifth off with a bunt single, stole second and scored on another Bryant home run, this time to left center field to give the Bears a 3-0 lead.

In the sixth inning, junior Nicole Beals reached on an error and later scored on a double by senior designated player Shay Ristau to make the game 4-0.

ULM scored in the top of the seventh when pinch runner Elena DiMattia scored after an error on a Melissa Rivera double.

Bryant led the Bears by going 2-for-3 with three runs batted in and two runs scored. She was the eighth player in school history to hit two home runs in the same game. Barsoum went 1-for-3 and stole two bases. Jessica Olguin had two hits for the Warhawks.

Jessica Chastka (1-1) struck out two and allowed three hits, three runs and two walks in the losing effort.

UCA will face Houston on Friday at 3 p.m.