Lake Charles, Louisiana-The Central Arkansas Bears and McNeese Cowgirls took to the field in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Saturday afternoon, racing the weather in an effort to get the final game of their three-game set. The Bears and Cowgirls got the game in, with McNeese picking up the series sweep with a 7-3 win.

McNeese (16-10, 3-0 SLC) took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning thanks to an RBI single from centerfielder Tori Yanitor and a wild pitch from UCA starter Ellie Reaves, but the Bears (7-17, 0-3 SLC) got the runs back in the top of the second inning, when centerfielder Jessie Hoover got things going with a two-out walk. Left fielder Hannah Stirton and right fielder Briana Whisenhunt both got hit by a pitch to load the bases for first baseman Kaylyn Shepherd, who evened the game at 2-2 by reaching on an error.

The Cowgirls got a solo home run from left fielder Taylor Schmidt to retake the lead in the second inning, before doubling their score with a  three-run third inning that featured a two-run triple from catcher Aubree Turbeville. Another solo home run in the fourth would make it 7-2.

The Bears threatened in fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, putting five runners on base, but were unable to push anything across until the seventh, when pinch hitter Randi Wallace led the inning off with her first home run of the season to cut the lead to 7-3, but Central Arkansas couldn't manage any more.

Reaves (2-6) took the loss after allowing seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four in 3.0 innings of work. Kayla Gomness was nearly flawless in 3.0 innings of hitless relief, issuing two walks and striking out one batter.

On the day, Whisenhunt went 2-for-3 at the plate, while Hoover, Wallace, and shortstop Kate Myers each added a single hit.

The Bears return to Conway for five games next week. Central Arkansas will welcome Missouri State to Farris Field for a 5:00 PM game on Tuesday night, before playing host to Mississippi State at 5:00 PM on Wednesday. The Bears will then open the home portion of their Southland Conference schedule on Friday, hosting Incarnate Word in a doubleheader set to begin at 4:00 PM. UCA and UIW will close out their series at noon on Saturday.