Softball Bears Fall at UCA, Weather Delay Alters Schedule

CONWAY, Ark. – Missouri State softball fell to 3-8 on the season following a 6-1 loss at the hands of Central Arkansas (9-2) on day two of the Michelle Short Memorial Classic.
 
The Bears jumped out to an early lead, putting a run on the board in the top of the first inning, as freshman Abby Ford started the game with a leadoff single and stole second. Kenzie Derryberry followed by drawing a walk, then they both swiped their next base to set up Olivia Krehbiel with baserunners on second and third. Krehbiel delivered and collected an RBI via a pop up to the shortstop that scored Ford and gave MSU a 1-0 advantage after an inning.
 
Unfortunately, that’s the only run MSU was able to put across, despite nine hits in the game. The Bears were unable to take advantage of their opportunities as they left 11 runners on base for the game, including leaving two runners on in each of the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.
 
Central Arkansas tallied six runs on seven hits, while MSU committed two errors in the ballgame. UCA took the lead with a two-run second inning, before extending its lead with four runs across the fourth through sixth innings.
 
Offensively, the Bears were paced by Ford, who logged two hits and two stolen bases against UCA. Her two steals bring her season total up to 12, which leads the Missouri State squad. Krehbiel drove in her third run of the season, while McKayla Carney knocked MSU’s only extra-base hit of the evening with a double in the sixth inning.
 
Following a lengthy rain delay in tonight’s game, the tournament schedule has been altered and MSU will play two games tomorrow to close out the Michelle Short Memorial Classic. The Bears will take on South Dakota State tomorrow (Feb. 25) at 2 p.m., then face Mississippi Valley State at 4 p.m.