CONWAY - For the second day in a row, Central Arkansas (31-17, 7-7 SLC) used a four-run first inning to take down Nicholls State (9-25, 4-6).

Left fielder Nicole Beals started the inning for the Bears by singling through the left side of the infield, and quickly stealing second base. Shortstop Lissa Avitia reached base on a throwing error by Colonels starter Ashton Bennett, advancing to second when the throw got away. A walk to third baseman Tiffany Roby loaded the bases for the Bears. Beals was able to score when a passed ball got away from Colonels catcher Paige Miller. Bears catcher Melanie Bryant then drew a walk to re-load the bases for designated player Melissa Bryant, who smashed a three-run double into the right field corner, keeping the ball fair by inches.

Bryant’s double would prove to be the end of the scoring for the day, as both starters got into a groove and went the distance. Kelsie Armstrong (19-10) got the win for the Bears, scattering four hits and striking out six to gather her 28^th complete game and 7^th shutout of the season. After struggling in the first, Bennett (5-8) settled down, allowing seven hits and four runs over six innings in a losing effort.

Central Arkansas travels to Tulsa, Oklahoma Tuesday afternoon for a non-conference match-up with Tulsa at 5:00. This weekend they face off with Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas in a battle of Southland Conference foes. Games are scheduled for Friday afternoon at 4:00 and Saturday at noon.