Lafayette, La. – The Central Arkansas softball team took to the field to close out their appearance at the 2015 Louisiana Classic on Saturday morning, squaring off against Southland Conference foe Incarnate Word. The Central Arkansas offense was firing on all cylinders, as the Bears took down the Cardinals 9-0 in five innings.

After a scoreless first inning, the Bears (3-2) exploded for six runs on four hits in the top of the second. Designated player Bailey Reynolds got the inning started with a single through the left side and, following a strikeout, shortstop Tori Seasor drew a walk. After a fielder's choice erased Reynolds, third baseman Sam Forrest drew another walk to load the bases. Right fielder Briana Whisenhunt then got the Bears on the board with an infield single to first base. Second baseman Sarah Bigej roped a bases-loaded triple to centerfield, before catcher Jessie Taylor launched a two-run home run over the centerfield fence to but the Bears up 6-0.

The Cardinals (1-3) kept Central Arkansas off the board in the third and fourth innings, but the Bears got back on the board in the top of the fifth to put the run-rule into effect. Reynolds poked a one-out single through the left side and first baseman Ashley Boswell drew a walk to set the table for pinch hitter Ryan Holdiness, who laced a triple to right-center field to put the Bears in front 8-0. After a strikeout and a walk, pinch hitter Audrey Pratt doubled to left field to drive in Holdiness and cap the scoring with the Bears up 9-0.

Kylee Studioso (2-1) earned the complete game shutout, limiting Incarnate Word to just four hits and a walk over the course of five innings. She struck out four. Sarah Leal (0-1) took the loss for UIW, surrendering six runs on five hits and three walks in 1.2 innings. Brooke DuBois gave up three runs on four hits and four walks during 3.0 innings of relief, while Mikaela Flores worked a third of an inning of relief. Each UIW pitcher struck out one batter.

The Bears open the home portion of their schedule on Tuesday night, hosting in-state opponent Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Farris Field. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 PM.