CLEARWATER, Fla. – A two-out, two-run rally in the bottom of the seventh by the UCA offense propelled the Bears to a 2-1 victory this morning over South Dakota State in their final game of the USF Invitational Tournament.
 
The Bears had scattered hits here and there throughout the duration of the contest, but UCA strung a few hits together when their backs were to the wall en route to the come-from-behind victory.
 
After Nicole Beals and Kelley Martino were retired to start the seventh inning, things were looking grim for the Bears. Lissa Avitia started things off with a single, her second hit of the game. Stephanie Lasley kept things rolling with a single of her own. Kasey Britt then tied the game on a double, which moved the winning run to third base. The double for Britt was the 46^th of her career, which tied her with Leslie Clothier for first all-time in school history.
 
With two on and the game tied 1-1, Melissa Bryant posted the Bears fourth straight hit which sent Lasley home, giving UCA the 2-1 win. It capped off a weekend in which the Bears went 4-1 overall and came from behind twice to pick up wins. UCA has now won seven of their last eight games.
 
Kelsie Armstrong continued her brilliance inside the circle this weekend, as she picked up her ninth victory of the season. The junior went seven innings and allowed just one run on five hits while striking out six. This weekend, Armstrong finished with a record of 3-0 with a save, 21 K’s and just five walks.
 
The Bears out-hit the Jackrabbits 9-5 and were led by Lasley’s 3-for-3 effort. Avitia and Britt each added two hits for the Bears.
 
On the weekend, Lasley was an anchor in the bottom part of the order hitting .538 over five games. Freshmen Ashley Boswell and Avitia posted marks of .500 and .444, respectively.
 
UCA’s explosive and potent offense will be put to the test when they host the Ole Miss Rebels Tuesday at Farris Field. First pitch on Tuesday evening is set for 5 p.m.