WACO, Texas – For the first time in four tries, the University of Central Arkansas downed perennial Big 12-contender Baylor 8-5 Wednesday night at Getterman Stadium.

UCA (14-16) poured it on early, scoring all eight runs in the first two innings against the opposing Bears. Central Arkansas outhit Baylor 12-7 in the contest and even though they left 13 runners on base throughout the game, some stellar defense contributed to UCA holding on for its 14th win of the season.

NOTABLES
 

• There was no bigger hit in the contest than sophomore Erin Acors's bases-clearing pinch-hit double in the first inning. Acors smoked a line drive into left center to score three runs and give the Bears an early 5-0 lead. It was the Mechanicsville, Va. native fourth, fifth and six RBI of the season.
• Kamryn Coleman (2-4) had perhaps her strongest outing in the circle for UCA. She came on in the third inning and finished the final 5.0 frames to earn the win. She allowed just two earned runs and kept the potent-Baylor lineup at bay all night. Rachel Haberman started the game and allowed three earned over 2.0 innings.
• No one has been more consistent in the Bears lineup this season than first baseman Kaylyn Shepherd. She went 2-3 with a long double in the first inning. She scored two runs and drove in another in the win.
• Freshman Erin Blackburn picked up two RBIs on the day. She drew a bases-loaded walk in the first and picked up an RBI on a groundout in the second inning.
• Third baseman Cylla Hill continues to produce with runners on. She went 2-5 on the night with an RBI-single and a run scored.
• Senior Morgan Felts laced a pair of basehits down the left field line in the contest. The Conway native went 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored. In addition to her bat, Felts' diving play in the fourth inning was one of the biggest defensive stops of the season. Felts laid completely out for a line shot and doubled off a Baylor baserunner after making the spectacular grab.
• Lauren Brooks and Libby Morris each went 1-4 with a run scored in the victory. Both sluggers also drew a walk on Wednesday night.

QUOTING THE VICTORY

Infielder Cylla Hill on how this win can change the season:

"I definitely think it is the kind of win that can get us going," Hill said. "We just are going out there and having fun. These are the kind of places that we all love to play, so we are just were excited to come out with the win."

Head coach David Kuhn on the momentum moving forward:

"I think it helps that it is spring break and we are on the road and able to get away," Kuhn said. "Don't get me wrong, we love playing at home, but getting back to just focusing on softball has been good the last couple of days. I have so much respect for the Baylor program and their coaching staff. Hopefully, we can turn this win into more positive things moving into the weekend."

ON DECK

Central Arkansas will look to stay hot as they step back into Southland Conference play this weekend. UCA will battle it out with Incarnate Word beginning with a doubleheader on Friday, scheduled to start at 5 p.m. in San Antonio, Texas. For all things UCA Softball, follow the program on Twitter @UCASoftball and @UCASports.