SDSU FALLS IN UCA FINALE TO HOST BEARS

Monday, February 24

Conway, AR

2:30 p.m.

South Dakota State University

5-7

Central Arkansas

5-7

South Dakota St.

Central Arkansas

Amanda Vacanti

Photo by: Mario Terrana

2/24/2025 7:24:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Andrew Pedersen

CONWAY, Ark. -- The South Dakota State softball team was unable to overcome a three-run first inning by Central Arkansas as the Bears defeated the Jackrabbits, 6-3, on Monday at Farris Field. The game served as the finale of the Michelle Short & Adam Brown Tournament.

Central Arkansas jumped out in front early with a pair of doubles scoring the first three runs of the game with no outs recorded in the bottom of the first. It forced SDSU to go to an arm in relief in Amanda Vacanti. The freshman got the Jacks out of the frame by limiting the damage.

Abby Gentry and Vacanti hit solo home runs in the second and third innings, respectively, to cut the deficit to 3-2.

The fourth frame saw the Bears tack on a run off Vacanti whose day was done after three innings worked. She allowed three hits and struck out one while not walking any batters.

SDSU's Hailey Herman worked 1 1/3 innings in the circle and allowed two runs, but neither were earned. Kierra Goos pitched 1 2/3 innings and gave up two hits and a walk, but provided a scoreless appearance for the Jacks.

The Jackrabbits' final opportunity came in the top of the seventh. SDSU loaded the bases with three walks and a fourth drawn walk, this time by Madi Conklin, plated a run to cut the score to 6-3. The bases were still loaded for SDSU with two outs, but UCA pitcher Julia Petty closed out a complete game with an infield pop up.

Both teams closed the day out with 5-7 records on the season.

South Dakota State continues its road trip on Tuesday with a game in Tulsa. The Jackrabbits are slated to face the Golden Hurricane at 4 p.m. at the Collins Family Softball Complex.

-GoJacks.com-