Feb 19th, 2007 05:47AM
by:

By CODY USHER
UCA ASSISTANT SID

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas softball team defeated Alabama A&M 10-9 and lost to Creighton 8-1 and Eastern Illinois 4-3 on the first day of the UCA Spring Clash at Farris Field on Saturday.

Against the AAMU Bulldogs (0-5), the Bears (4-4) used three big innings late to win the final game of the day. Behind 3-0 in the fourth inning, UCA pulled ahead with a four-run frame, highlighted by RBI-singles from freshman pitcher Kati Beth Billingsley and freshman second baseman Jennifer Collins.

The Bulldogs tied it up in the top of the fifth when second baseman Alice Young homered to left center. Billingsley gave UCA an 8-4 lead with a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth. Young hit a sacrifice fly that scored third baseman Angelia Heard to cut the lead to 8-5. UCA sophomore Shayla Williams pushed the advantage to 10-5 with a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth.

AAMU rallied in the top of the seventh, scoring four unearned runs off of reliever Collins after a UCA defensive miscue. Freshman Tiffany Swanson came in to get the final out and pick up her first save of the year.

Billingsley picked up the win by throwing six innings, giving up six hits, four earned runs, three walks and four strikeouts. She also was 2-for-3 at the plate, with two runs scored and six runs batted in.

Bulldog starter Deb Borcherding, gave up six hits, six earned runs, six walks and struck out 10. First baseman Brandy Harrell went 2-for-4 at the plate with three runs scored, two RBI, a triple and a home run.

In the second game of the day, Creighton (3-0) starting pitcher Amanda Hess struck out 15 UCA batters and gave up five hits and one run. UCA's Lyndsey Harris gave up 12 hits, eight runs and three walks in the loss.

Senior left fielder Amy Sperle came up with two hits for the Bears, and junior catcher Brittany Bearden drove in UCA's only run in the sixth inning. Bluejay shortstop Bailey Dawson was 2-for-4 with four RBI, a double and a home run.

In the opener, Central Arkansas scored three runs in the first inning, but could not muster anymore offense the rest of the game. The EIU Panthers (2-1) took advantage of four late errors by the UCA infield, to come back.

Panther hurler Kathleen Jacoby gave up five hits, one earned run, six walks and six strikeouts, while UCA's Tiffany Swanson surrendered six hits, two earned runs, one walk and five strikeouts.

Freshman first baseman Sarene Bronkey drove in two runs for the Bears, and Bearden recorded two hits and a RBI.

Eastern Illinois was led at the plate by catcher Sandyn Short, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and two doubles.

UCA will meet EIU at 10 a.m. on Sunday.