Sugar Bears Win Again on Big Days from Armstrong and Forrest

Courtesy University of Central Arkansas Athletics Department

The Central Arkansas softball team closed the UCA Invitational with another win on Sunday, taking down Ball State 6-0 to finish the tournament with a perfect record.

The score was tied at 0-0 until the top of the third inning, when the Bears (11-5) picked up the game’s first two runs on three hits. Right fielder Sam Forrest reached base with a double down the left field line and came around to score on a triple by second baseman Melanie Bryant. A wild pitch allowed Bryant to score. 

Central Arkansas added another run in the top of the third. Left fielder Stephanie Lasley singled and stole second base with two outs. Forrest roped a single to right field and Lasley came around to give UCA the 3-0 lead.

The fifth inning saw the Bears add to their lead with two runs on three hits. First baseman Ashley Boswell blasted a homer over the left field fence to lead off the inning. Designated player Sarah Bigej hit an infield single, stealing second base and advancing to third on a groundout. She came in to score on a single by pinch hitter Taylor Dear.

Central Arkansas scored the game’s final run in the seventh inning. Third baseman Tiffany Roby doubled to left field. She came around to score on a single by centerfielder Amy Gunnells.

Kelsie Armstrong (7-4) continued her impressive form, throwing seven scoreless innings and giving up seven hits while striking out 12. Nicole Steinboch (2-2) took the loss for the Cardinals (6-3) giving up six runs on 12 hits. She issued three walks and struck out four. 

The Bears travel to Macon, Georgia to participate in the 2013 Mercer Bears Classic. On Friday, they play Tennessee-Chattanooga at 11:00 am and Mercer at 3:30 pm. On Saturday Central Arkansas plays Northern Kentucky at 10:00 am. The Bears will play two more games during the weekend, with times and opponents to be determined.