LAKE CHARLES, La. – It was a tough night for the University of Central Arkansas softball offense as runs were at a premium in its 3-0, 4-1 losses to McNeese Friday night from Joe Miller Field.
UCA (21-22, 7-10 SLC) picked up some solid pitching performances in the circle but were unable to consistently get the bats going. It is the first time the Bears have lost both ends of a Southland Conference doubleheader on the road this season. UCA left 17 combined baserunners on the basepaths in the two defeats.
MCNEESE 3, UCA 0
- Four different Central Arkansas student-athletes recorded at least one hit in the game, led by freshman shortstop Erin Blackburn. The Howe, Texas native went 2-2 in the setback.
- Sophomore Rio Sanchez (8-7) was strong in the circle. She tossed another complete game, this time pitching all 6.0 innings and allowing just the three earned runs despite picking up the loss.
- Libby Morris laced her team-leading 12th double of the year in the contest. Kayla Crutchmer and Oakley Sisemore notched the only other hits for the Bears.
MCNEESE 4, UCA 1
- Morris went 2-4 and picked up her second two-bagger of the day with a rope down the left-field line in the sixth to break up the McNeese shutout. The RBI was her 41th, which is still tops among all Southland Conference hitters.
- Reagan Sperling picked up a double of her own after coming on to play centerfield earlier in the contest. It was the Sherwood native's third double of the season.
- Cheyenne Kuhn picked up the start at the designated player position and went 1-3 with a sharp single to left. Kuhn is hitting .429 for the season.
- Kailla Searcy (3-2) picked up the start for the Bears and was effective for most of the night before running into trouble in the fifth. She picked up the loss for UCA.
ON DECK
The Bears will try to bounce back with a 10:30 a.m. series finale tomorrow morning against the Cowgirls. The game will be streamed on the McNeese Insider Network and live stats will also be available. For all things UCA Softball, follow the Bears on Twitter @UCASoftball and @UCASports.
