Corpus Christi, Texas – The Central Arkansas Bears and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders squared off for the rubber game of their first Southland Conference series on Saturday. The Bears took advantage of two big innings and refused to give up the lead, taking down the Islanders 8-3 to earn a 2-1 series win.
Central Arkansas (10-15, 2-1 SLC) built a big lead in the second inning, scoring five runs on four hits. The inning started with a lineout, a single, and a fly out before the Bears went to work with two outs. First baseman Tylor Dodson moved right fielder Briana Whisenhunt to second base with a single, allowing center fielder Amy Gunnells to drive in the game's first run with a single of her own. A fielder's choice drove in Dodson before third baseman Sam Forrest was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Second baseman Sarah Bigej unloaded the bags, roping a double to right-center field to clear the bases and push the lead to 5-0.
AMCC (5-16, 1-2 SLC) used a triple a single and a Central Arkansas error to get a pair of runs back in the bottom of the second inning and added another run on another triple and a double to cut the UCA lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the third.
After two scoreless frames, Central Arkansas went back to work, plating three runs on four hits in the sixth. Gunnells, left fielder Hannah Stirton, and Forrest opened the inning consecutive singles to push the Central Arkansas lead to 6-3. With runners on the corners, Bigej drew a walk and Stirton stole home to add another run. Designated Player Taylor Dear then laced a single to center field to score Forrest and cap the scoring with UCA holding an 8-3 lead.
Kayla Gomness got the start in the circle for Central Arkansas, allowing three runs on five hits over 2.1 innings while striking out two. Kylee Studioso (6-4) earned the win in relief, throwing 4.2 innings of hitless relief and striking out five while issuing just one walk. Liz Carter (5-7) took the loss for the Islander, surrendering eight runs on 11 hits and three walks over five innings. Katie Blanar threw the final two innings for AMCC, holding the Bears hitless and striking out two.
Central Arkansas returns to Conway for five games next week. The Bears will host a pair of non-conference games, welcoming Missouri State to Farris Field on Tuesday at 5:00 before facing Memphis at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Over the weekend, the Bears will return to SLC play, hosting Stephen F. Austin for a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 11:00 Saturday morning and a single game at noon on Sunday.
