San Antonio, Texas – The Central Arkansas Bears and Incarnate Word Cardinals took to the field for the rubber match of their three-game Southland Conference series on Saturday afternoon. The Bears and the Cardinals found themselves locked in a slugfest, combining for four home runs as the Cardinals earned the series win with a 4-3 victory.

UIW (5-14, 2-4 SLC) grabbed an early lead thanks to an RBI single from designated player Hope Sobolewski, but Central Arkansas found an answer in the top of the second, as designated player Kailla Searcy doubled down the right field line to drive in second baseman Libby Morris and even the game at 1-1.

The Bears would take the lead in the third inning, when right fielder Morgan Felts launched her first home run of the season over the fence in right-center field to put UCA up 2-1, and Morris added on with her fourth home run of the year in the fourth to push it to 3-1 in favor of the Bears.

UIW would respond immediately, getting a two-run home run from Sobolewski and a solo shot from right fielder Delaney Guzman to take a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the frame.

Central Arkansas would generate chances over the final three innings, putting a pair of runners on in the fifth, loading the bases with no outs in the sixth, and getting the tying run to second in the seventh, but the Bears were unable to find the equalizer.

Ellie Reaves (2-3) got the start in the circle and took the loss after allowing four runs on six hits with three strikeouts in 3.1 innings of work, while Searcy worked the final 2.2 innings, holding the Cardinals scoreless while giving up two hits and a walk with three strikeouts.

Morris and Searcy led the Bears at the plate, with Morris going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored and  Searcy turning in a 3-for-4 performance with a double and an RBI. Felts was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run, while left fielder Oakley Sisemore, first baseman Kaylyn Shepherd, and third baseman Cylla Hill each added a hit.

The Bears now step out of SLC play for a pair on games in Mississippi this week. Central Arkansas will travel to Itta Bena for a 4:00 PM game at Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday, before heading to Starkville to take on Mississippi State at 6:00 PM on Wednesday.