Sugar Bears Top Laday Lions 10-2 in Final Game Prior to SLC Play

Courtesy University of Central Arkansas Athletics Department

The Central Arkansas softball team continued its high-scoring ways on Tuesday evening, taking down the visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Lions by a score of 10-2. The game served as the final tune-up for the Bears, who open Southland Conference play this weekend.

The Bears (16-6) exploded out of the gate on Tuesday, crossing the plate five times in the bottom of the first inning. Right fielder Sam Forrest got the inning started with a walk, coming around to score on a double by second baseman Melissa Bryant. A pair of fielding errors loaded the bases for designated player Sarah Bigej, who singled up the middle to extend the lead to 2-0. Following a fielder’s choice that saw catcher Melanie Bryant gunned down at the plate, shortstop Lissa Avitia drew a bases loaded walk to make the lead 3-0. Another fielder’s choice kept the bases loaded for left fielder Stephanie Lasley, who roped a single down the left field line to bring in two more runs and bring the Central Arkansas lead to 5-0.

Central Arkansas struck again in the third inning, plating three runs on four hits. Avitia singled to start the inning, stealing second base and advancing to third base on a passed ball. Forrest singled in Avitia to extend the lead to 6-0. Melissa Bryant singled and Melanie Bryant was hit by a pitch to load the bases. First baseman Ashley Boswell laced a single down the right field line, plating Forrest and Melissa Bryant to push the Bears’ lead to 8-0.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-11) got on the board in the top of the fourth inning, using a pair of doubles to push across a run and narrow the gap to 8-1.

Central Arkansas responded in the bottom of the frame, scoring two runs. Avitia singled off of base runner Lindsey Elliot, giving the Bears a runner on first with one out. A ground out and a fielding error brought Forrest to the plate with runners on the corners and two out. She blasted a triple to left center field to bring in both runners and push the lead to 10-1.

The Lady Lions got a run in the top of the fifth, but the Bears got out of the jam, ending the game.

Ciara Clampitt (3-1) earned the win for Central Arkansas, throwing three hitless innings and striking out four. Kelsey Barker threw one inning in relief, giving up one run and two hits while striking out one. Cicely New worked the top of the fifth inning, surrendering one run on one hit and two walks. She struck out one batter. Heather Leigh (0-4) took the loss for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, giving up 10 runs on 12 hits and three walks. She struck out one. 

Central Arkansas returns to the field on Saturday, opening Southland Conference play by hosting Stephen F. Austin. The teams will play a double-header on Saturday, with game times set for 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. The series will wrap up with a single game scheduled for noon on Sunday.