Thibodaux, Louisiana – The Central Arkansas Bears and Nicholls Colonels met for the decisive game in their three-game series for second place in the Southland Conference on Saturday afternoon. The Colonels emerged victorious, both on the day and in the series, thanks to a 5-0 win.

Despite Central Arkansas (17-15, 8-4 SLC) putting runners on in each of the first four innings, and putting runners in scoring position in three of those innings, it would be Nicholls (23-10, 9-3 SLC) who would strike first, getting RBI singles from pinch hitter Kendal Daniels and left fielder Kelsey Miller, along with a steal of home from second baseman Emma Holland, to take a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The Bears would threaten again in the top of the sixth, with right fielder Morgan Felts singling and advancing to second, but Central Arkansas was unable to bring her around.
Nicholls would capitalize in the bottom of the inning, pushing the advantage to 5-0 thanks to an RBI single from right fielder Corynn Major and an RBI double from Holland.

Central Arkansas would generate its best chance of the game in the top of the seventh inning, when designated player Brianna McArthur worked a one-out walk. Pinch runner Kayla Crutchmer would move to second on a groundout from catcher Lauren Brooks, before third baseman Cylla Hill and centerfielder Reagan Sperling each drew a walk to load the bases. Felts would launch a fly ball to right field, but it would be caught by Major to end the game.

Ellie Reaves (2-5) took the loss for the Bears, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one in 4.1 innings. Rachel Haberman was the first Bear out of the bullpen, allowing a pair of hits, before Rio Sanchez came on for the final 1.2 innings. The freshman surrendered two runs on three hits and struck out one.

Felts delivered a 2-for-4 performance at the plate, while first baseman Kaylyn Shepherd went 1-for-3 with a double and second baseman Libby Morris was 1-for-3 with a single.

Central Arkansas steps out of conference play with a trio of midweek games this week. The Bears will travel to Springfield, Missouri for a single game at Missouri State at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, before hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff for a doubleheader at 5:00 PM on Wednesday evening. UCA will then hit the road again for the weekend, heading to Nacogdoches, Texas for a three game series at Stephen F. Austin. The Bears and Ladyjacks will play a doubleheader at 4:00 PM on Friday, before closing the series with a single game at 12:00 PM on Saturday.