CONWAY, Ark. - The University of Central Arkansas softball team was blanked by Northwestern State 3-0 in Southland Conference action at Farris Field on Saturday. Lady Demon pitcher Brooke Boening (7-8) threw a three-hitter while striking out eight to help NSU improve to 29-19 and 12-12 in league play. The Bears drop to 21-28 overall and 8-16.

NSU took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second when left fielder Samantha Roberts led off with a double and scored on a double by Brianna Rodriguez. Later in the inning, third baseman Tiffany Ward hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Rodriguez from third.

In the third, Cali Burke led of with a base hit and reached second on an error. Roberts drove Burke in with a base hit up the middle for the final run of the game.

UCA threatened in the bottom of the seventh when sophomore catcher Melanie Bryant doubled with one out. Junior designated player Katie McGregor followed with a single, moving Bryant to third. Boening got out of the jam by inducing a pair of ground outs to end the game.

Burke and Roberts led the Lady Demons with two hits each. Bryant had two hits for the Bears.

UCA sophomore Kelsie Armstrong (13-19) suffered the loss, striking out four and allowing six hits, two earned runs and a walk.

The Bears will host Lyon College at Farris Field on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.