CONWAY – The University of Central Arkansas softball team will put its five-game winning streak on the line as they host Southeastern Conference-rival Mississippi State 5 p.m., Tuesday at Farris Field.
UCA (17-16, 4-5 SLC) posted its best stretch of the season last week during its annual spring break road trip. After knocking off UL Monroe on Tuesday, the Bears took down Big 12-foe Baylor Wednesday night. Central Arkansas carried that momentum into a three-game sweep at Incarnate Word over the weekend.
MEET THE BULLDOGS
Mississippi State (20-10, 1-5 SEC) will bring one of the nation's most prolific power-duos to Conway. Mia Davidson is hitting an incredible .500 in 29 appearances this season. She is tied with teammate Fa Leilua for the team-lead in home runs (15) while each has driven in 38 runs.
Alyssa Loza (7-1, 2.75 ERA), Emily Williams (5-2, 2.80 ERA) and Grace Fagan (5-5, 2.97 ERA) make up the primary rotation for the Bulldogs in the circle. Williams has a team-leading 75 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .187 average on the season. The Bulldogs are coming off a weekend where they handed No. 13 Auburn a loss on Friday night, before dropping the final two games against the Tigers on Saturday and Sunday.
BEAR TO WATCH
One of the biggest reasons for the mid-season improvement of the UCA defense has been freshman-shortstop
Erin Blackburn. The newcomer has flashed the leather for the Bears showing off her range and arm strength in recent games while providing a poised presence at one of the most important defensive positions.
At the plate, Blackburn is starting to adjust to Division-I pitching. She hit .333 during the five-game win streak, picking up four RBI along the way. The Howe, Texas native swiped two bases as well and is tied for third on the squad in stolen bases for the season (6). The Bears will need Blackburn's glove and some quality at-bats from the freshman if they want to take down the Bulldogs on Tuesday.
FACULTY/STAFF APPRECIATION DAY
In conjunction with the Central Arkansas athletics department, the UCA softball team will proudly recognize the hard-working men and women who work on campus for its annual Faculty/Staff Appreciation game.
FOLLOW ALONG
The Purple and Gray Network will be on hand to broadcast the game. You can access the stream by follow the links at the top of the page. Live stats will also be available for media members or anyone looking to follow the action. For in-game updates follow the Bears on Twitter @UCASoftball or @UCASports.
