Natchitoches, La. – The Central Arkansas Bears and Northwestern State Lady Demons met for the first two games of a three game set between two of the Southland Conference's top three teams on Friday. The teams found themselves locked in a pair of pitcher's duels, with each team scoring a shutout victory.

Kayla Gomness and Mikayla Brown were in charge during the second game of the day, combining to give up just one run on 13 hits and a walk over 13.1 innings while striking out 10.

Central Arkansas (24-11, 12-2 SLC) got the game's only run in the second inning, when shortstop Hayley Parker launched her second home run of the season over the fence in centerfield.

Gomness (1-0) made her first start of the season and earned the win, limiting the Lady Demons eight hits over 6.1 innings. She struck out three. Kylee Studioso picked up her first save of the season, getting the final two outs of the seventh inning. Brown (4-2) was equally effective in taking the loss, giving up a single run on five hits and a walk while striking out seven in 7.0 innings of work.

Studioso and Micaela Bouvier took center stage in the day's first game, combining to allow two runs and five hits over 12.2 innings. The duo struck out ten and walked five.

The Lady Demons took advantage of solo home runs from right fielder Kellye Kincannon and left fielder Natalie Landry to earn the 2-0 victory.

The Bears had plenty of chances in the game, but were unable to find a big hit, stranding eight runners.

Studioso (19-6) suffered her first SLC loss of the season, limiting the Lady Demons to two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out eight. Bouvier (11-4) picked up the win for NWLA as she held the Bears to three hits and five walks while striking out two in 6.2 innings. Brown got the save, getting the final out of the game.

UCA and Northwestern State will play the rubber match of their series tomorrow at noon.