FORT MYERS, Fla. – The rubber match between the Central Arkansas softball team and the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles fell to the home team, as the Bear offense struggled to piece anything together, dropping a 2-0 series finale.
 
Florida Gulf Coast grabbed an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, scoring on a single up the middle that drove in a runner from second. The Bears threatened in the third, starting the inning with a Tylar Vernon single to left field. Jenna Wildeman reached on a fielder's choice that resulted in Vernon being out, before two straight walks to Tremere Harris and Mary Kate Brown loaded the bases with two outs. With the next at bat, Jaylee Engelkes took a 2-2 count and grounded out to the second baseman, ending the inning.
 
Again, Central Arkansas had a chance in the fourth due to a pair of walks. With two outs, Kylie Griffin and Lexi McClellan earned four pitch walks to put a runner in scoring position. Again, however, the FGCU defense was able to get the next batter out, eliminating another chance to get on the board.
 
The Eagles would add another run in the fifth inning, taking a 2-0 lead on a one-out grounder that brought a runner from third base across the plate.
 
Central Arkansas remains in the Sunshine state for another couple of days, playing a doubleheader against Florida Atlantic on Tuesday. First pitch against the Owls is set for 4 p.m. CT.