Nacogdoches, Texas-

Kelsie Armstrong and Cami Newsome proved to be all that Central Arkansas needed Saturday afternoon, as they shut down the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks twice on the day. The Bears (33-18, 9-7 SLC) took the first game of the day 1-0, and completed the sweep with a 6-0 victory in the second game.

In the first game, the Bears’ lone run came in the third inning, which designated player Katie McGregor led off with a double to left-center field. Center fielder Stephanie Lasley reached base on a bunt single. McGregor was then erased at third base on a double play that allowed to Lasley to advance to second base. Left fielder Nicole Beals gave the Bears their second infield hit of the innings, singling to third base and allowing Lasley to move up to third. A stolen base by Beals and a walk to second baseman Tiffany Roby loaded the bases for catcher Melanie Bryant, who singled through the left side to drive in Lasley.

The run would be the only required by the Bears, as starting pitcher Kelsie Armstrong (20-11) was more than the Ladyjacks (13-30, 4-12 SLC) could handle, collecting her 20^th win and 30^th complete game of the season, allowing only one hit and striking out 12 Ladyjacks. Angela White (5-14) took the loss for Stephen F. Austin, allowing seven hits and one run in seven innings pitched, while walking three and recording no strikeouts.

The second game of the day saw a bit more offense from the Bears. Central Arkansas got on the board in the second inning, when a Roby double and McGregor single put runners on the corners with no outs. Following a foul out, Lasley reached base on a fielder’s choice, driving in Roby from third. Consecutive foul outs temporarily ended the Central Arkansas threat.

The Bears would strike again in the fourth inning, when Roby lead off by reaching base on an error. McGregor made the Ladyjacks pay, lifting a 2-run home run to left field to drive both Roby and herself in. First baseman Ashley Boswell and Lasley collected back-to-back singles. Kelvon Greer was inserted to pinch run for Boswell, and was able to advance to third base on a foul out from right fielder Kasey Britt. Lasley stole second base putting runners on second and third for Beals, who lofted a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Greer to score and Lasley to advance to third.

The Bears weren’t done for the day though, manufacturing more insurance in the seventh inning. Melanie Bryant hit a leadoff home run to left field to give the Bears a 5-0 lead. Following two quick outs, Roby again reached on an error to spark a two-out rally for Central Arkansas. McGregor poked a single into center field, advancing Roby to second base. Boswell then slashed a single down the left field line, scoring Roby for the Bears final run of the game.

Cami Newsome (10-4) got the win for Central Arkansas, striking out three Ladyjacks and scattering four hits in four innings of work. Armstrong threw the final three innings of the game, continuing her dominance from earlier in the day en route to her third save of the season. She held Stephen F. Austin hitless in her three innings of work, striking out three more Ladyjacks and walking one. Carlie Thomas (8-12) was stuck with the loss, allowing 11 hits and six runs (four earned) in seven innings pitched. She struck out one batter and allowed one walk.

The wins were an exclamation point on a big return for the Bears. Outfielder Kasey Britt returned to the Central Arkansas lineup for the first time since March 14^th against Missouri State. Britt, who suffered a broken index finger on her left (throwing) hand, went 1-for-5 on the day, with a single and two walks.

Central Arkansas makes a quick return to Southland Conference play, hosting UT-Arlington for a double-header Tuesday at 4:00 and 6:00 in Conway; then playing host to Oklahoma at 1:00 in the afternoon on Saturday.