HAMMOND, La. - The University of Central Arkansas softball team lost both games of a Southland Conference double-header to Southeastern Louisiana at North Oak Park on Saturday. The Lady Lions (13-15, 3-5) took the first game 4-2, then followed with a 1-0 shutout of the Bears (12-18, 4-7) in the nightcap.

UCA opened the first game with a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when sophomore Candice Gauntt hit an infield single, stole second and scored on sophomore catcher Melanie Bryant's double to center field. SLU answered in the bottom of the frame when Kelsey Nichols and Katie Duhe scored on a two-out error by Bear third baseman Tarra Underhill.

Right fielder Katie Matthews hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to give the Lady Lions a 4-1 lead. UCA senior Shay Ristau led the sixth off with a double and scored on a base hit by freshman left fielder Kelvon Greer.

Kati Morse (3-4) limited the Bears to six hits, one walk and two runs while fanning three to earn the win. Sophomore Kelsie Armstrong (8-12) gave up seven hits, two earned runs and walk with six strikeouts for the Bears.

In game two, SLU pitcher Jessie Browne (6-5) threw a three-hit, one-walk shutout to go with two strikeouts. UCA junior starter Cami Newsome (3-5) allowed for hits, one run, one walk and two strikeouts. Armstrong struck out one and walked one in one inning of relief.

The only run of the game came in the bottom of the sixth when UCA loaded the bases and Armstrong hit pinch hitter Lauren Coniglio with two outs, bring Matthews home from third.

Gauntt had a double for UCA, while Nicole Beals and Bryant each had a base hit. Third baseman Megan Moore led SLU with two hits.

Armstrong's seven strikeouts on the day moved her into second place on UCA's career list with 330. The sophomore from Hot Springs, Ark. is now 16 away from tying Brooke Boatman's school record of 346.

The Bears and Lady Lions will finish the three-game series on Sunday at noon.