Memphis, Tenn. – The Central Arkansas softball team returned to action on Tuesday, travelling to Memphis, Tennessee play a doubleheader against the Tigers of the University of Memphis. The Bears got three outstanding pitching performances on the day, taking down the Tigers 8-0 and 5-3.

In game number one, the Bears (0-0) and the Tigers (0-0) were locked in a pitcher's duel until there were two outs in the top of the fifth, when Central Arkansas exploded for eight two-out runs. The Bears loaded the bases thanks to walks from designated player Audrey Pratt, shortstop Hayley Parker, and first baseman Ashley Boswell before a strike out and a flyout put the rally in jeopardy. Right fielder Briana Whisenhunt broke open the game with a two-run single to right-center before second baseman Sarah Bigej drew a walk to load the bases again. Catcher Jessie Taylor drew another walk to put the Bears up 3-0 and force a pitching change from the Tigers. A wild pitch then brought in Whisenhunt before left fielder Hannah Stirton drew a walk of her own to load the bases yet again. Pratt ripped a single up the middle to drive in Bigej and Taylor and then stole second base before moving to third on a wild pitch that scored Stirton. After Parker worked a walk, the Bears executed a double steal to push Pratt across and put the run-rule into effect.

Memphis loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth, but Central Arkansas starter Kylee Studioso kept them off the board to give the Bears the victory.

UCA managed just three hits in the game, but also drew eight walks.

Studioso (23-9) earned the complete game win for the Bears, allowing four hits and a pair of walks while striking out four in five innings.

In the second game of the twin-bill, the Bears jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Boswell opened the inning with a double to left-center before moving to third on a wild pitch. Third baseman Sam Forrest then roped a single back up the middle to drive in Boswell and then moved to third on a double from Whisenhunt. Bigej drew a walk to load the bases, and Taylor drew a walk of her own to push across Forrest. Following a strikeout, designated player Ryan Holdiness was hit by a pitch to drive in Whisenhunt and give the Bears a 3-0 lead.

Memphis got two runs back in the bottom half of the frame thanks to a Central Arkansas error, and tied the game at 3-3 on another error in the fourth.

UCA retook the lead in the fifth, when Holdiness singled home pinch runner Brianna McArthur and got an insurance run in the sixth thanks to an RBI double from Taylor.

Kayla Gomness (2-0) earned the win, limiting the Tigers to three runs, one earned, on five hits and a walk while striking out a pair in four innings. Shivaun Landeros earned her first save of the season, throwing three perfect innings and striking out two.

 The Bears return to Southland Conference play this weekend, travelling to Houston, Texas for a three game set against Houston Baptist. The Bears and the Huskies will play a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 PM on Friday before wrapping up the series at noon on Saturday.