CONWAY – Needing a bounce-back performance after a lackluster Sunday, the University of Central Arkansas softball program rallied to down Jackson State in an 11-0 run-rule victory Monday afternoon at Farris Field.

Every player on the Bears' roster entered the game, including some surprise pinch-hit appearances by some of the UCA pitching staff. Central Arkansas racked up 13 hits and scored at least one run in each of its four innings of at-bats.

NOTEWORTHY
 

• Rio Sanchez (2-2) tossed her second-consecutive complete game shutout. After shutting down Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a no-hitter last Wednesday, Sanchez followed it up with a two-hit complete game victory over Jackson State. She struck out a season-high six Tigers in 5.0 complete innings of work.
• Senior Kaylyn Shepherd broke the game open with a three-run jack in the second inning. It was the Mechanicsville, Va. native's third big fly of 2019 and pushed her RBI total into double digits (10) for the season.
• Lauren Brooks continues to be the steady bat in the UCA lineup. She had another strong performance, finishing the game 2-2 with one run scored and one RBI.
• The usual suspects of Cylla Hill, Libby Morris, Kamryn Coleman and Oakley Sisemore all picked up at least one RBI in the game. However coming off the bench, Erin Blackburn, Kailla Searcy, Madi Savell and Jordan Johnson each either drove in a run or recorded a hit in the blowout victory. Callie Eary came on to pinch run for the Bears and tallied a run.

THROUGH THE FIRST 15
 

• The Bears have two batters hitting .400 or better through 15 games. Hill (.444) and Shepherd (.400) lead one of the most potent offenses in the Southland Conference from top to bottom.
• UCA is averaging better than two extra-base hits a game having pounded out 39 (26 doubles, nine home runs and four triples) after 15 games.
• The Central Arkansas pitching staff has combined for a 3.26 ERA so far. That's nearly a full two runs better than their opponents who have combined for a 5.03.
• It is a team effort for the Bears rotation. Five different Central Arkansas pitchers have recorded at least one win with Rachel Haberman (3-2) leading the way.

QUOTING THE DAY
Starting pitcher Rio Sanchez on finding her form:

"Yeah, it was a definitely a slow start this year for me," Rio chuckled. "But I think confidence has played a big part in my last two starts. We have been practicing more so just getting back in rhythm has been the biggest difference for me."

On the Farris Field advantage:

"I love playing here," Sanchez said. "I love the turf. I think it is really nice to have a good fan base and I think the girls are definitely more comfortable here. We like to travel and play on the road, but it is great to have that home-field advantage."

WHAT'S NEXT

The Bears will continue this homestand with a 5 p.m. date against Southeastern Conference-rival Ole Miss on Wednesday. Live streaming and live stats will be available. For all things UCA Softball follow the program on Twitter @UCASoftball and @UCASports.