WACO, Texas - After winning the first two games of the QTI Powers Invitational on Friday, the University of Central Arkansas softball lost to Sam Houston State 5-4 in a non-conference game on Saturday at Getterman Stadium. The Bears (3-9) outhit the Bearks (7-11) 10-7 for the game.

SHSU took an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first after a pair of walks led to left fielder Tayler Gray doubling in Hailey Wiginton and Kim Dmian. Shelbi Tucker followed with a base hit that plated Gray.

UCA answered with two runs in the second when sophomore catcher Melanie Bryant and freshman second baseman Taylor Dear drew walks and were driven in by junior Katie McGregor with a base hit to right center field.

The Bearkats went up 4-2 in the fourth when pinch hitter Tori Benavidez singled and later scored from third on a wild pitch by UCA starter Cami Newsome.

Junior Kasey Britt and Bryant both had RBI-hits in the fifth inning to tie the game at 4-4. Benavidez led the top of the sixth off with a hit and scored on triple by Alex Survant for the winning run.

Britt went 3-for-4 with a double and a RBI for the Bears. McGregor drove in two runs. Benavidez led SHSU with two hits.

Bearkat pitcher Tomi Garrison (5-5) struck out eight and allowed three walks, 10 hits and four runs to get the win. UCA sophomore Kelsie Armstrong (2-6) allowed two hits, one run, one walk and struck out one in two innings of relief.

UCA will face host Baylor at 3 p.m. on Saturday.