Natchitoches, Louisiana – The Central Arkansas Bears opened their final conference series of the 2017 regular season, facing off with the Northwestern State Lady Demons. The Bears and Lady Demons found themselves locked in a pitchers' duel, which the Bears dropped 1-0.

Central Arkansas' (22-32, 12-13 SLC) Kayla Gomness and Northwestern State's (21-29-1, 12-13 SLC) Mikayla Brown were dominant on the day, combining to allow one earned run on seven hits and five walks in 13.0 innings pitched.

The Bears generated their best chance of the game in the top of the fifth inning, when left fielder Hannah Stirton, centerfielder Briana Whisenhunt, and first baseman Kaylyn Shepherd all worked two-out walks to load the bases. A popup would end the threat though.

The Lady Demons would score the game's only run in the bottom of the sixth inning, when third baseman Jordan Rains landed a single just inside the right field line to score left fielder Kellye Kincannon. The Bears were unable to answer in the top of the seventh.

Gomness (15-16) took the hard-luck loss on the day, holding the Lady Demons to a single run on five hits and a walk while striking out two in 6.0 innings of work.

At the plate, second baseman Krissy Fontillas and right fielder Morgan Felts each went 1-for-3.

The Bears and Lady Demons will close out the regular season with a doubleheader tomorrow. First pitch is set for 12:00 PM.