Bears Women’s Softball Team Loses Pitcher’s Duel to Jackson State

Courtesy University of Central Arkansas Athletics Department

The Central Arkansas softball team played their third game of the Mardi Gras Invitation on Saturday morning, losing a closely fought contest to Jackson State. 

The Lady Tigers (2-6) got on the board first. In the bottom of the first inning, second baseman Canessa Swanson reached base on a Central Arkansas error. A double to leftfield by third baseman Sabeana Romero brought in Swanson to give Jackson State the 1-0 lead.

Jackson State added to their lead in the second inning, when Chelsea Smith drove a ball over the right field fence to extend the lead to 2-0.

Central Arkansas (5-4) loaded the bases in the fourth inning, but was unable to cash in on the opportunity. Another opportunity arose in the fifth inning, but the Bears stranded two runners.

It wasn’t until the seventh inning, when the Bears were down to their final three outs, that they were able to get on the board. Following two groundouts, right fielder Sam Forrest drove a single up the middle. Second baseman Melissa Bryant also singles up the middle, advancing Forrest to second base. Another single up the middle, this one off the bat of catcher Melanie Bryant, combined with a fielding error allowed Forrest to score, but Bryant was caught off of first base for the final out of the game.

Kelsey Armstrong (2-3) took the loss for the Bears, working seven innings and allowing four hits and one earned run. Armstrong struck out nine Lady Tigers and did not give up a walk. Breea Jamerson (2-4) earned the win for Jackson State on the back of seven innings of eight hit, two walk ball. She gave up one unearned run and struck out two.

Central Arkansas plays its final game of the weekend on Sunday afternoon at 12:15. They play South Alabama.