Huntsville, Texas –

Central Arkansas and Sam Houston State were both projected to finish well in the Southland Conference this season, and the results of Saturday’s double-header reflected those expectations. The Bears took the first game 5-3, while the Bearkats emerged victorious in the second game by a score of 9-8.

Both teams scored a run in the second inning before Central Arkansas (20-8, 4-1 SLC) built a 5-1 lead. Sam Houston (13-15, 2-3 SLC) battled back though, pulling to within 5-3, before ultimately falling by that score.

Third baseman Tiffany Roby and first baseman Ashley Boswell both went 2-for-4 in the game. Roby hit her third homer of the season and scored two runs while Boswell scored a pair of runs. Shortstop Lissa Avitia was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, collecting a double and scoring one run while driving in another.

Kelsie Armstrong (13-5) earned the win for the Bears, throwing her 15^th complete game in 17 starts. She allowed 10 hits and three runs, not giving up any walks and striking out 13 Bearkats in seven innings. Shelby Lancaster (7-5) took the loss for Sam Houston, allowing nine hits and five runs in 5.1 innings. She also allowed no walks and struck out four. Amber Neal threw 1.2 innings of relief, giving up four hits.

The second game of the day saw Sam Houston build a 7-0 lead before Central Arkansas came storming back to take an 8-7 lead in the top of the sixth inning. The Bearkats retook the lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame though, holding on for the 9-8 win.

Catcher Melanie Bryant and centerfielder Amy Gunnells were both 2-for-4 in the game. Bryant scored a run and drove in another, while Gunnells collected a pair of doubles, driving in two runs and scoring another.

Ciara Clampitt got the start for Central Arkansas, allowing three runs on one hit and one walk in an innings of work. Taylor Barclay threw 1.2 innings in relief, giving up four runs on five hits and two walks. Cicely New (2-1) took the loss in relief, throwing 3.1 innings and giving up two runs. She recorded the only Central Arkansas strikeout of the game. Meme Quinn started for Sam Houston, working 5.1 innings and allowing five runs on four hits and three walks. She struck out 11 Bears. Dani Allen recorded one out in the sixth inning, giving up three runs on two hits. Haley Baros (4-7) earned the win for the Bearkats, giving up one hit and one walk while striking out two in 1.1 innings of work.

The two teams will face off at noon on Sunday to decide the winner of the series.