Conway, Ark. –

The Central Arkansas softball team battled the elements on Sunday, seeing their initial start time of noon pushed back twice. When the Bears finally took the field though, they continued their winning ways, defeating the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks 4-1 to improve to 19-6 on the season and 3-0 in Southland Conference play.

The Ladyjacks (6-16, 0-3 SLC) struck first. In the top of the first inning, shortstop Elizabeth Arana hit a pitch from Kelsie Armstrong over the center field fence to give Stephen F. Austin the 1-0 lead.

Central Arkansas was kept off the board until the bottom of the fourth inning. Designated player Sarah Bigej walked and third baseman Tiffany Roby was hit by a pitch, giving the Bears runners on first and second with no outs. Shortstop Lissa Avitia moved the runners over with a sacrifice bunt. Left fielder Stephanie Lasley and right fielder Sam Forrest each had an RBI single to give the Bears the 2-1 lead.

Central Arkansas added a run in the bottom of the fifth. Bigej doubled to right field and advanced to third on a foul-out. Avitia singled down the right field line to bring in Bigej and push the lead to 3-1.

The Bears got another insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Lasley singled and stole second base to lead off the inning. Following a line out, pinch hitter Taylor Dear reached on a throwing error that allowed Lasley to score from second and gave Central Arkansas the 4-1 lead.

Armstrong (12-4) earned the complete game victory for the Bears, allowing four hits and a run on one walk and eight strike outs. Carlie Thomas (5-7) took the loss, giving up nine hits and four runs while allowing a walk and striking out five.

The Bears go on the road next, travelling to Stillwater, Oklahoma to face off with Oklahoma State on Wednesday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Bears will be in Huntsville, Texas to play three games against Sam Houston State.