Huntsville, Texas – The Central Arkansas Bears returned to Southland Conference play on Friday afternoon, taking on the Sam Houston State Bearkats in a doubleheader in an attempt to beat out the rain headed for Huntsville, Texas. The teams got both games in, with the Bears falling 13-0 in five innings and 4-0 in the day's second game.

In the day's first game, Central Arkansas (11-22, 2-4 SLC) saw just two runners reach base, as first baseman Kaylyn Shepherd was hit by a pitch in the first inning and designated player Bailey Reynolds picked up a single in the fifth inning.

Kayla Gomness (7-9) took the loss for the Bears, allowing four earned runs on five hits and a walk in two innings of work, while Ellie Reaves gave up three runs on three hits and a walk in one inning. Jordan Ward worked the final inning for Central Arkansas, and gave up a pair of runs on four hits.

Despite managing just one hit in the second game of the twin bill, a double from right fielder Briana Whisenhunt in the fourth inning, the Bears were able to generate better scoring chances, thanks to four walks, a Bearkat (14-15, 5-3 SLC) error, and a hit batter. Central Arkansas put runners in scoring position in both the fourth and fifth innings, but was unable to move them past second base each time.

Payton Herman (1-1) was saddled with the loss after allowing three earned runs on five hits and a walk, while Nicole Fullilove struck out one Bearkat while working a perfect 1.2 innings in relief.

The Bear and Bearkats will close out the series tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 PM.