Conway – The Central Arkansas Bears continued play in the 2017 Central Arkansas Invitational on Saturday afternoon, playing host to the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks. ULM built an early lead, but the Central Arkansas offense exploded in the fifth and sixth innings, with the Bears ultimately picking up a 10-6 win.

ULM (9-5) took an early lead, getting a two-run double from pitcher Melanie Coyne in the top of the first and a run-scoring single from the pitcher in the third before the Central Arkansas bats woke up.

After a strikeout and a groundout opened the bottom of the fifth inning, Central Arkansas (4-9) got back-to-back walks from outfielders Hannah Stirton and Briana Whisenhunt. First baseman Kaylyn Shepherd delivered for the Bears, singling down the left-field line to drive in Whisenhunt and set the table for second baseman Cylla Hill, who hit a looper over just over Coyne. The ball spun wide of the charging ULM shortstop, allowing pinch runners Jessie Hoover and Brianna McArthur to score and evening the game at 3-3. Catcher Lauren Brooks followed with a walk, before designated player Krissy Fontillas roped a double down the line in left field to drive in Hill and give the Bears a 4-3 lead.

The Bears would add to their lead in the sixth inning, as third baseman Audrey Pratt got things going with a lead-off double before pinch-hitter Kailla Searcy planted a two-run homer on the berm in left-center field to make the advantage 6-3. With runners at second and third and two outs, Brooks hit a rocket to left-center to make it 8-3, before Fontillas pushed the lead to 10-3 with her second home run of the season.

ULM would add three runs in the top of the seventh, but a groundout would end the rally.

Kayla Gomness (3-4) earned the win for the Bears, throwing her second complete game in as many days. She allowed four earned runs on nine hits and a pair of walks while striking out three.

The Bears close out the weekend tomorrow at 11:30 AM, taking on Houston Baptist.