Norman, Okla. – The Central Arkansas softball team took a break from the Southland Conference slate on Tuesday, heading to Norman, Oklahoma to battle the defending national champions, the Sooners of Oklahoma University. The Bears kept the twelfth-ranked Sooners off the board for the first two innings before ultimately falling 8-0.

Central Arkansas (20-30) loaded the bases in the top of the first, but a double play and a popout ended the threat. Okalhoma (35-10) put a pair of runners on in the bottom half of the frame and saw a runner reach third in the bottom of the secon, but Central Arkansas starter Kylee Studioso worked out of the jam in both instances.

The Sooners broke through in the bottom of the third, plating six runs on four hits and a Central Arkansas error. Third baseman Shelby Pendley opened the scoring with a grand slam, and catcher Whitney Ellis and designate player Erin Miller each drove in a run in the frame.

Right fielder Callie Parsons drove in two runners in the bottom of the fourth to cap the scoring with the Sooners leading 8-0.

Second baseman Sarah Bigej led the Central Arkansas offense, going two-for-two with a double, and third baseman Sam Forrest picked up the other Central Arkansas hit, a single.

Georgia Casey (3-2) got the win for Oklahoma, holding the Bears two three hits over three innings while striking out two. Pendley was nearly flawless over two innings of relief work, allowing a walk and striking out five. Studioso (12-9) took the loss for Central Arkansas, allowing five runs on three hits and three walks. Kayla Gomness threw two innings in relief, giving up three runs on six hits and a walk with a strikeout.

Central Arkansas returns to SLC play this weekend, traveling to San Antonio, Texas to take on Incarnate Word. The Bears and the Cardinals will play a doubleheader at 5:00 P.M.  on Friday evening, before wrapping up the series with a single game at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday.