Conway – The Central Arkansas Bears returned to action on Saturday afternoon looking to secure a series win over the Incarnate Word Cardinals. The Bears did just that, picking up their first Southland Conference series win of the season with a 6-1 win.

It looked like Central Arkansas (9-20, 2-4 SLC) would strike in the bottom of the first inning, as right fielder Kayla Crutchmer and centerfielder Briana Whisenhunt led off with a single and a walk. First baseman Kaylyn Shepherd then ripped a line drive, but it was straight at UIW (5-23, 1-5 SLC) first baseman Alex Alonso, who stepped on first to double off Whisenhunt before firing to second to get Crutchmer and complete the triple play.

That delay would prove to be temporary, however, as the Bears would explode for four runs on three hits in the third inning. Whisenhunt got things going with a one-out single and stole second base before Shepherd and catcher Lauren Brooks were each hit by a pitch to load the bases for designated player Kailla Searcy, who poked a single through the left side to drive in Whisenhunt and put the Bears on the board. Third baseman Audrey Pratt stepped to the plate after a UIW pitching change and welcomed the new Cardinal hurler by wearing the first pitch she saw to plate Shepherd, before shortstop Kate Myers doubled to left-center , scoring Brooks and Searcy and pushing the UCA lead to 4-0.

Central Arkansas would add a run in the fourth, as Crutchmer led off with a single, stole second, and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt from Whisenhunt, before Shepherd drove her in with a single to left field.

Incarnate Word would pick up a run in the top of sixth inning, but the Bears would respond immeditately. Crutchmer again got things started, this time with an infield single, before she again used her speed to move into scoring position, stealing second base and moving to third when the throw went wide. A single from Shepherd drove in Crutchmer and wrapped up the day's scoring.

Kayla Gomness (5-8) earned the win for the Bears, allowing an unearned run on six hits while striking three in 5-1 innings, while Nicole Fullilove picked up her first save of the season by limiting the Cardinals to a pair of hits and a walk while striking out one over the final 1.2 innings  of the game.

Crutchmer led the Bears at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases and a pair of runs, while Shepherd was 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI.

Central Arkansas steps out of Southland Conference play with a pair of midweek games this week. The Bears will travel to Jackson, Mississippi to take on Jackson State at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, before returning to Farris Field to host Lyon College at 6:00 PM on Wednesday.