Conway, Ark. –
The Central Arkansas softball opened Southland Conference play on Saturday, picking up a pair of victories over visiting Stephen F. Austin. Central Arkansas opened the day with a 3-0 victory over the Ladyjacks, and in the second game of the day the Bears scored an 11-8 come-from-behind victory.
In the first game, both teams received complete game performances from their aces. Kelsie Armstrong (11-4) earned the victory, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out thirteen. Carlie Thomas (5-6) took the loss, allowing seven hits, three runs, and a walk while striking out eight.
Central Arkansas (18-6, 2-0 SLC) jumped to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Right fielder Sam Forrest led off the inning with a single through the right side. Second baseman Melissa Bryant followed by blasting her first home run of the season to left center field.
Central Arkansas added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth. Melissa Bryant hit a double to center field. Catcher Melanie Bryant then ripped a single up the middle, pushing the lead to 3-0.
In the second game, the offenses were the highlight. Stephen F. Austin scored in the first five innings and Central Arkansas recorded two five run innings.
Both teams scored a single run in the first inning. The Ladyjacks (6-15, 0-2 SLC) used a pair of singles and an error to take an early 1-0 lead. The Bears responded two walks and a double to even the score.
The second, third, and fourth innings saw the ‘Jacks collect six runs on eight hits and two errors.
Central Arkansas returned to life in bottom of the fourth, plating five runs on four hits and an error. The Bears got three RBI singles, a fielder’s choice, and error to pull within 7-6.
Stephen F. Austin got an unearned run in the top of the fifth to extend their lead to 8-6, but the Bears put up another five-spot in the bottom of the frame. Seven different players picked up a single in the inning, with four of them picking up RBI’s.
Ciara Clampitt got the start for Central Arkansas, throwing 1.1 innings and giving up four runs. Taylor Barclay threw 2.2 innings of relief, allowing three runs on five hits with a strikeout. Cicely New (2-0) picked up the win, giving up an unearned run and two hits. Armstrong earned her second save of the season, working two scoreless innings and striking out three while allowing a hit.
The Bears and Ladyjacks close out their series tomorrow at noon.
