SHREVEPORT, La. - The University of Central Arkansas softball team scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning to capture a 4-2 road victory against Centenary on Thursday night. The Bears (12-16), who outhit the Ladies (2-17) 10-9, had four hits in the final frame, including two pinch hits, to overcome a 2-1 deficit.

Sophomore pinch hitter Lindsey Barsoum led the top of the seventh with a bunt single and was moved over on a grounder from freshman Kelvon Greer. Sophomore Brooke Reynolds tied the game at 2-2 with a pinch hit double to right center field. Shortstop Preslie Long re-entered the game for Reynolds and advanced to third base on a Candice Gauntt infield single. After Gauntt stole second, junior left fielder Kasey Britt drove in Long and Gauntt with a base hit to right field, giving the Bears the 4-2 win.

Centenary took the lead in the bottom of the sixth, when catcher Kelsey Regan drew a walk and scored on a double by Reggie Salvatore. Left fielder Jenny King followed with a single, scoring Salvatore to give the Ladies a 2-1 lead.

UCA went up 1-0 in the top of the second when sophomore catcher Melanie Bryant doubled to lead off the inning and was later knocked in from third on a Taylor Dear groundout.

Gauntt connected on three hits and stole two bases. Bryant went 3-for-3 and drew a walk. King went 3-for-4 for Centenary.

Sophomore Kelsie Armstrong (8-11) struck out nine while allowing nine hits, two runs and a walk for the win. Centenary reliever Lynsi Unruh (0-4) suffered the loss by giving up seven hits, three runs and one walk with one strikeout over four innings.

The Bears will begin a three-game Southland Conference series at Southeastern Louisiana beginning with a double-header on Saturday.