CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas softball team hosts the Lipscomb Bisons for a three-game ASUN series this weekend, starting with a celebration of its senior class prior to game one. With a 2 p.m. first pitch on Saturday, Senior Day recognition will begin at 1:40 p.m. at Farris Field. On Sunday, those student-athletes that are graduating will be presented in a small graduation ceremony before Sunday's noon start.

Prior to the start of Saturday's games, the Bears will honor five seniors for their contributions to the program. Erin Blackburn, Lexi McClellan, Reagan Sperling, Tylar Vernon and Lindsey Williams will all be recognized for their sacrifices and efforts in Purple and Gray. On Sunday, Those five will be joined by Jaylee Engelkes and graduate assistant Libby Morris to be honored as they take part in a graduation ceremony for those receiving their degrees.
 
The Bears (26-15, 10-5 ASUN) return home on a seven-game winning streak, having defeated Memphis on Tuesday. Winning 9-0, Central Arkansas was lifted by a six-run second inning, getting a lift from a pair of home runs. Reagan Sperling opened the scoring with a two-run shot, before being followed by the team's fourth grand slam off of as many bats, as Morgan Nelson put one over the left field wall to push the lead to 6-0.
 
Jorde Chartrand picked up her second win in the circle, tossing a second complete game shutout over the Tigers. She struck out four batters while only allowing two hits and a walk.
 
During the win streak, four batters have posted a batting average over .400, led by Nelson's .471. In her six appearances, she has eight hits, four of which have been home runs, driving in eight runs. The Bears have outscored opponents 43-11, posting a pair of ASUN sweeps.
 
In the circle, Jordan Johnson has tallied four wins in the stretch, holding a 1.38 ERA over the span and striking out 40 batters in 25.1 innings of work. Combined, the pitching staff is holding opponents to a .196 batting average, absolutely locking down batting orders and putting intense pressure on opposing batters.
 
Central Arkansas currently holds the top spot in the ASUN West with its 10-5 record, just a game above North Alabama and Jacksonville State, both at 9-6. With three series remaining in the schedule, the three teams will each face each other before the end of the regular season, setting up for a wild finish before the ASUN Championships.
 
Lipscomb (16-26, 6-9 ASUN) enters the weekend having dropped two of three against Jacksonville State, followed with a loss on Tuesday to Western Kentucky. Winning game two with an 8-4 final score, the Bisons rolled up 13 hits and had three extra base hits, including a home run from Elise Shewmaker.
 
Coming off of a midweek that saw the team get shutout with only two hits, Lipscomb heads to Conway with two batters hitting over .300. Presley Leebrick leads the team with a .346 average, adding 13 doubles to her tally, with Amy Vetula behind her at .325. Vetula leads the team in stolen bases, swiping five of her 11 attempts.
 
Maci Cunconan leads the team in extra base hits, recording six doubles, seven triples and six home runs, tallying 69 total bases while hitting .252.
 
In the circle, Kate Peters has the team-low in ERA, allowing 3.63 earned runs per outing while compiling a 7-7 record. Lipscomb has four pitchers that have more than 50 innings pitched this season, with a staff ERA of 4.71.
 
First pitch on Saturday is set for 2 p.m., with Senior Day festivities at 1:40. On Sunday, graduation will start at 11:40 a.m. before the 12 p.m. game time. Stream links and stats links are available at UCASports.com.