Starkville, Mississippi – The Central Arkansas Bears closed out their appearance at the Bulldog Slamboree, hosted by Mississippi State, on Sunday, squaring off with the Bulldogs in the tournament's championship game. The Bears struggled to get anything going offensively on the day, falling to the Bulldogs 8-0 in five innings.

Despite managing just one hit on the day, a first-inning single from first baseman Kaylyn Shepherd, Central Arkansas (6-13) took advantage of three walks and a pair of Mississippi State errors to generate a pair of solid scoring chances.

The first threat from the Bears came in the top of the fourth, when Shepherd started things with a walk, before being replaced by pinch runner Tylor Dodson. An error on a fielder's choice from second baseman Krissy Fontillas moved Dodson to second. After a ground out from pinch hitter Bailey Reynolds moved the runners into scoring position, catcher Ryan Holdiness drew a walk to load the bases, but a strike out and a ground out ended the threat.

The Bears attempted a two-out rally in the fifth, when right fielder Briana Whisenhunt reached on an error and Dodson drew a walk, but a sharply hit ball from Fontillas was hit straight at the Bulldog first baseman.

Defensively, the Bears fell victim to the big inning, as Mississippi State (18-3) put up six runs in the second and two in the fifth.

 Freshman Kailla Searcy (1-2) took the loss on the day, allowing four earned runs on four hits and a walk in 1.0-plus innings of work. Fellow freshman Jordan Ward relieved Searcy and gave up a run on three hits in 0.1 innings, before sophomore Payton Herman held the Bulldogs to one run on two hits in 2.2 innings. Sophomore Nicole Fullilove ended the game in the circle, allowing a run on two hits in 0.2 innings.

Central Arkansas will take to the field for a pair of midweek contests in Conway this week.  The Bears will welcome the ULM Warhawks on Tuesday night, before the Mississippi Valley Delta Devilettes on Wednesday. First pitch for both games is set for 5:00 PM.