Mobile, Alabama – The Central Arkansas Bears continued their appearance in the 2017 Sand Dollar Classic on Saturday afternoon, getting a rematch with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. The Bears were again unable to overcome the Gamecocks, falling 7-2.

Jacksonville State (3-0), who put up seven runs against the Bears (0-4) yesterday thanks to a five-run sixth inning reached the seven-run mark again on Saturday, thanks to a single run in each inning.

After being shut out twice yesterday, Central Arkansas was able to get on the board in the sixth inning, when centerfielder Brianna McArthur reached base with a  one-out walk. After a flyout and a single from left fielder Hannah Stirton, catcher Lauren Brooks picked up her first RBI as a Bear, roping a double to centerfield to plate both McArthur and Stirton.

Trailing 7-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Bears looked to have a rally building. Pinch hitter Kayla Crutchmer led off with a hit-by-pitch before right fielder Briana Whisenhunt drew a walk to mover her to second base. Following a popup, pinch-hitter Morgan Felts drew another walk to load the bases with one out, but the Bears were unable to push a run across.

Sophomore Nicole Fullilove (0-1) took the loss for the Bears, surrendering three runs on four hits and five walks in two innings while striking out four. Freshman Kailla Searcy made her pitching debut for the Bears in the third inning and worked 2.1 innings of relief, giving up a pair of runs on three hits and one hit batter, while fellow freshman Jordan Ward allowed two runs and five hits while striking out two in two innings of work. Sophomore Ellie Reaves ended the game for the Bears, allowing one hit in 0.2 innings.

The Bears finish off the weekend at 10:00 AM tomorrow morning, taking on Alabama State.