Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

CONWAY, Ark. – The Nicholls State University softball team was held to six hits and one run in its doubleheader on Saturday as they fell 3-0 in game one and 8-1 in game two to the University of Central Arkansas in Southland Conference action at Farris Field.

Nicholls (9-22, 2-11 SLC) was led on offense by Megan Gaspard with three hits on the day. Gaspard had the only Colonel hit in game one, breaking up a no-hit bid by UCA's Kelsie Armstrong with a single in the sixth.

Ashley Ray brought in Nicholls' lone run of the day with a solo shot in game two. Ray finished 2-for-3 in the game and tied the conference lead in home runs with eight. Gaspard was 2-for-3 as well and Alaina Guidry chipped in with a single.

Carlee Winklemann (2-7) pitched well in the first game, giving up just five hits to the Southland's second ranked offense. Winklemann threw six innings, striking out two while surrendering no earned runs. The Bears (16-20, 7-8 SLC) took advantage of a two-out Colonel error in the third to plate two runs, and added one more run in the sixth after a leadoff error.

The Bears' Armstrong came into the matchup leading the conference in strikeouts and finished the game with 12.

In game two, the Bears jumped out to a 5-0 lead after three innings and used another strong performance in the circle, this time by Cami Newsome, to complete the twin-bill sweep with an 8-1 victory. Newsome threw a complete game, giving up five hits while striking out six.

Ashton Bennett (5-10) lasted two innings for the Colonels, giving up four earned on five hits. Katie Moulder came out of the pen for four innings of work, surrendering three earned on three hits with two strikeouts.

Trailing 7-0 after five innings, Ray broke up the shutout with her eighth dinger of the season, a leadoff shot down the left field line. However, it would be the only run for the Colonels as they fell 8-1.

Nicholls and UCA will wrap up the three-game set on Sunday with a single game at 12 p.m.