CONWAY, Ark. _ The Nicholls Colonels turned the tables on the University of Central Arkansas Bears on Saturday, winning 9-3 at Bear Stadium to even the Southland Conference series at one game apiece.

    The Colonels (20-14-1, 9-8), who were shut out 7-0 in Friday night's opener, pounded out 16 hits against six UCA pitchers and scored in six of the first seven innings. UCA got a leadoff home run from junior center fielder Tyler Langley in the first inning but did not score again until the sixth inning.

    The Bears (18-11, 9-5), in second place in the SLC standings, put up two more runs in the sixth on a two-run double to the fence by designated hitter Brandon Montalvo that scored Chris Townsend and Braxton Phillips. But Nicholls starter Grant Borne (3-4) held UCA scoreless in the seventh and eighth before giving way to Marc Frazier in the ninth, who set the Bears down in order.

    Montalvo, a junior from Houston, had two of UCA's seven hits, while Langley hit his fourth home run of the season. UCA starter Brandon Hagerla went 2 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and five runs. Nicholls left fielder Justin Smith finished 3 for 4, while six other Colonels had at least two hits. 
    
    The series finale is set for 1 p.m. Sunday.