CONWAY, Ark. – Cami Newsome tossed a complete game two-hit shutout and improved her record to 8-2 on the season as UCA downed Missouri State, 2-0, Wednesday evening at Farris Field. The victory was the sixth straight for the Bears and it also improved their overall record to 20-8.
 
Newsome was brilliant, allowing just three total base runners in the contest while striking out four Missouri State hitters. At a point in the game, Newsome had retired nine straight hitters before a single by Ashley Brentz in the sixth ended the streak.
 
The senior pitcher from Sweeny, Texas got some support from her offense in the fourth inning when Melissa Bryant belted her fourth home run of the season to straight away centerfield, making it 1-0.
 
The UCA offense struck again in the fifth inning when they manufactured their second run. Nicole Beals led off the inning with a single to left and then advanced to second on a Kaytie Spencer sacrifice bunt. Stephanie Lasley then knocked in her second run in as many nights, giving UCA the 2-0 edge.
 
The two-run lead was plenty for Newsome, as no Missouri State player reached scoring position for the remainder of the game.
 
UCA had five hits in the contest, all off of Missouri State starting pitcher Natalie Rose. Rose (5-1) was hit with her first loss of the year after allowing two runs while fanning 10.
 
Melanie Bryant led the way for UCA with two hits to go along with a hit apiece from Melissa Bryant, Beals and Lasley.
 
UCA will look to make it seven straight this weekend in the Southland Conference opener at Southeastern Louisiana. The Bears will play at 6 p.m. on Friday night before wrapping up the series on Saturday with a game slated for noon.