HAMMMOND La. – The University of Central Arkansas softball team used a three-run rally in the seventh inning after being down to their final strike and came from behind for a 5-3 victory over Southeastern Louisiana Saturday afternoon. With the victory, UCA completed the series sweep and improved to 22-8 overall and 2-0 in Southland Conference play.
With the game tied at 1-1, a solo home run off the bat of UCA freshman third baseman Tiffany Roby put the Bears on top in the bottom of the sixth inning. It was the sixth homer for the North Little Rock, Ark. native, tying her for the team lead.
The UCA lead wouldn’t hold up, however. In the bottom half of the sixth the Lady Lions tied the game at two on an RBI double off the bat of Kayla Elswick. Elswick then swiped third base and came across to score on a Michelle Duhe single, giving Southeastern Louisiana a 3-2 edge.
A one-run deficit heading into the last inning, however, has been something this UCA team has been able to overcome time and time again this season.
Today proved to be no different.
With Lissa Avitia at bat, and the Bears down to their final strike, the freshman pulled through with a two-run single, which plated both Nicole Beals and Melanie Braynt, giving UCA a 4-3 lead. Avitia ended up at second on the throw to the plate and then came around to score to make it 5-3 on Kaytie Spencer’s third hit of the afternoon.
Senior pitcher Kelley Martino retired the Lady Lions in order in the bottom of the seventh, sealing the victory. Martino was credited with the win after tossing three innings in relief while allowing two runs on three hits. Kati Morse, who looked poised to pick up the save for the Lady Lions, was instead saddled with the loss. She tossed 1.2 innings and allowed three runs, none earned, on three hits.
The Bears, who are now winners of their last eight, recorded their five runs on 12 hits and were aided by three Southeastern Louisiana errors. Spencer and Beals each chipped in three hits to lead the way for UCA. Melissa Bryant added a pair of hits and Aivitia and Roby each had a hit apiece with two RBI and an RBI, respectively.
The Bears return to action Sunday afternoon for a non-conference bout at Jackson State. Game time between the Bears and the Tigers is set for 1 p.m.
