STILLWATER, Okla. – On the road for the first time in a month and playing a top-10 team in the country, the Central Arkansas softball team dropped an 8-0 decision to Oklahoma State Wednesday night.
 
The Bears (8-16) had baserunners throughout the game, but couldn't effectively move them around the horn. On the other side, a tough lineup made enough plays and found enough hits to put Central Arkansas away.
 
Renee Christian opened the game with a single after battling through a full count. She would move to second a couple of batters later on a groundout. Gracie St. Hilaire fought her way to a walk, putting runners on first and second. But with two outs, it was difficult to move the pair further, and the Cowgirls escaped without any damage done. Oklahoma State scored twice in the first, taking an early lead.
 
The Bears got nothing at the plate in the second inning, sending Julia Petty and the defense back out. And in the second, Petty would only allow one baserunner, striking out a pair to fire up the dugout and get out of the inning. But the Bears continued their struggles at the plate, giving the defense litle room for error. Oklahoma State added a pair in the third, before a four-run fourth inning put the Cowgirls at the eight-run lead.
 
Central Arkansas got hits from Christian and Morgan Nelson, but fought at the plate all day. The Bears only struck out twice, facing some high-caliber pitchers from the Cowgirls.
 
The Bears turn their attention now to the start of ASUN play this weekend. Central Arkansas will host the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Friday and Saturday, playing a three game series at Farris Field. First pitch on Friday is set for 6 p.m.