Conway- The Central Arkansas Bears returned home for the first game of a five-game home stand on Tuesday evening, welcoming the Missouri State Bears to the friendly confines of Farris Field. The purple Bears generated plenty of scoring chances, but stranded 12 runners to fall to the maroon Bears 6-2.

Missouri State (11-9) struck first, putting up a pair of runs in the top of the second inning thanks to RBI singles form pitcher Holly Kelley and centerfielder Erika Zimmer. Central Arkansas (7-18) got a run back in the bottom of the inning though, cutting the maroon Bear lead to 2-1. Shortstop Kate Myers got the inning going with a one-out walk, before moving into scoring position on a single down the line from centerfielder Morgan Felts. After third baseman Audrey Pratt successfully laid down the sacrifice bunt, left fielder Hannah Stirton loaded the bases with a walk. Right fielder Briana Whisenhunt then came through for the Bears, legging out an infield single to drive in Myers.

Central Arkansas would strike again in the bottom of the third, when catcher Lauren Brooks led off with a walk and a stolen base. Designated player Kailla Searcy then ripped a single up the middle to drive in Brooks and even the score at 2-2.

Missouri State would retake the lead with three runs in the top of the fourth inning, and though Central Arkansas would get runners on base, the purple Bears would strand six over the final three frames to come away empty-handed.

Sophomore Nicole Fullilove (0-2) got the start for Central Arkansas, allowing two runs on six hits in 1.1 innings of work, while senior Kayla Gomness came on in relief, surrendering four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two batters in 5.2 innings.

At the plate, first baseman Kaylyn Shepherd went 2-for-4 at the plate, while Myers was 1-for-1 with a pair of walks.

Central Arkansas continues its home stand tomorrow evening, playing host to Mississippi State. First pitch for the game, which will serve as the Bears' annual Faculty Appreciation Night, is set for 5:00 PM.