Monroe, La. – The Central Arkansas softball team stepped out of Southland Conference play on Wednesday, traveling to Monroe, Louisiana to battle the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks. The Bears managed just three hits on the day, falling to ULM 4-0.

ULM (21-8) took grabbed an early lead, putting up a pair of runs on two hits in the bottom of the first. Shortstop Faith Bohack got the inning started with a one-out triple, before coming in to score on a fielder's choice off the bat of second baseman Miyuki Navarette. First baseman Alexis Cacippo then drove in Navarett, lashing a double to left field.

The Warhawks added to their lead in the fifth inning. Bohack again got things started, leading off the inning with a single through the right side and moved to second on a bunt single to third from Navarette. Following a pop-up, catcher Amye Barre laced a double down the left-field line to drive in Bohack and Navarette and push the Warhawk lead to 4-0.

Central Arkansas (21-8) threatened in the top of the seventh, putting runners on first and second, but were unable to find a big hit.

Third baseman Sam Forrest, right fielder Briana Whisenhunt, and designated player Audrey Pratt each turned in a single for the Bears, while Whisenhunt and second baseman Sarah Bigej were each hit by a pitch.

Kylee Studioso (17-4) took the loss for the Bears, surrendering four runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out six in six innings. Melanie Coyne (7-4) picked up the win, limiting Central Arkansas to just three hits and three walks with six strikeouts in seven innings.

The Bears return to SLC play this weekend, playing host to Nicholls at Farris Field. The Bears and Colonels will play a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 PM on Saturday, before closing out the series with a single game at noon on Sunday.