Conway, Ark. –

The Central Arkansas softball team used Saturday’s double header to honor the courage and strength shown by those who have battled cancer. A pair of signed jerseys was auctioned off during the double-header and t-shirts were sold, with the proceeds going to charity. On the field, the team wore special pink jerseys and welcomed Central Arkansas Athletics’ own Milisa Moore to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Central Arkansas (30-16, 8-9 SLC) hosted Southland Conference foe Southeastern Louisiana (28-17, 10-10 SLC) and the teams split the twinbill, with the Lady Lions taking the first game 1-0 in nine innings and the Bears took the second game 8-0 in five innings.


The first game proved to be a pitcher’s duel, as both starters went the distance, allowing just one run on a combined 16 hits and three walks. Taylor Bishop (6-6) earned the win for the Lady Lions, throwing nine innings of shutout softball. She allowed ten hits and three walks while striking out 3. Kelsie Armtstrong (23-10) took the loss, allowing one run on six hits in her nine innings. She did not issue a walk and struck out 18 batters, tying the school record that she set in her last start.

Both teams threatened multiple times throughout the game, combining to strand 21 runners, but neither team was able to break through until the ninth inning, when Southeastern Louisiana got a solo home run from left fielder Kelsey Nichols to take a 1-0 lead. Central Arkansas got a single in the bottom of the frame, but was unable to get an equalizer.

The second game featured a bit more offense. Central Arkansas exploded for four runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a lead that they wouldn’t give back. After the inning started with a line out and a fly out, the Bears were able to collect four runs on four hits.

The Bears added a pair of insurance runs in the fourth inning. Centerfielder Amy Gunnells got the inning started off with a single to right field, advancing to second with a stolen base. A single by right fielder Sam Forrest moved Gunnells to third before Forrest advanced to second with a steal of her own. Shortstop Lissa Avitia brought the pair in, roping a double off the fence in center field to push the lead to 6-0.

The Bears added the game’s final two runs in the bottom of the fifth to put the run rule into effect. Third baseman Tiffany Roby led off the inning with a walk, moving over to third on a wild pitch and a fly out. With two outs, designated player Jessie Taylor blasted the ball over the left-center field fence for her second home run of the season to give the Bears the 8-0 victory.

Armstrong was strong again for the Bears, earning the victory with five scoreless innings. She allowed three hits and struck out six batters. The victory was Armstrong’s 23^rd of the season, setting the school record for most victories in a single season. Kenna Terry (7-5) took the loss for Southeastern Louisiana, surrendering four runs on four hits and a walk in just two-thirds of an inning. Kati Morse worked 4.1 innings of relief for the Lady Lions, giving up four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out one.

Central Arkansas and Southeastern Louisiana will play the rubber game of their series tomorrow at noon.