Starting off with an early disadvantage, the UCA Bears struggled to score any runs against the LSU Tigers in their softball game Feb. 8.

The Bears (1-2) were battling the Tigers (4-0) in a rematch of Feb. 7’s game, in which they lost 10-0. 

Hoping to do better this time, they were able to defend against the Tigers but were unable to score any runs for themselves, making the final score 6-0.

Starting off quickly, the Tigers scored 3 points in the first inning — two walks to put runners on first and second base, and one home run to bring all three home. 

After the first inning, the Bears improved their defense, and senior pitcher Julia Petty’s throws were mostly able to hold off the Tigers, but the Tigers were able to slip in a few more runs; one in the third inning, one in the fifth inning, and one in the sixth inning. 

However, this was the first game of the season where the Tigers had to play all seven innings, a testament to the Bears’ improved strategy.

Though the score ended up being 6-0, the Bears were very close to scoring a few runs and evening the game out. 

The Bears attempted to set up freshman infielder Kaitlyn Graham in the second inning but didn’t find an opportunity to bring her home, leaving her marooned at second base.

Further along, in the fifth inning, the ball saw the bat of freshman infielder LJ Smith, who made it to first base with two outs. Unfortunately for her, the Tigers were able to get another out and end the inning before she had the opportunity to make it further.

The closest the Bears came to closing the gap was in the sixth inning. 

It started with a single from senior infielder Kylie Griffin and a sacrifice bunt from freshman infielder Addie Graham to put Griffin on second base. 

After graduate infielder Madi Young walked to get freshman outfielder Carmen Uribe on first, and a wild pitch put Griffin on third and Uribe on second, the Bears were itching to score their first points.

However, with two outs already, the Tigers were able to defend, ending the inning before Griffin or Uribe could make it home. 

Though the Bears were able to land another single in the seventh inning, they didn’t get the same chance to advance, ending the game.

This game marks UCA’s 13th loss against LSU, currently with a 5-game losing streak. 

Though it seems LSU opened strong this season with four perfect games, that doesn’t tell the full story. 

In Saturday’s game against the Bears, the number of hits was close in number — the Tigers landed seven hits, but the Bears had four. 

Furthermore, the Bears were close to scoring multiple times throughout the game; they simply didn’t find the chance to follow through.

The Bears suffered two more losses at the LSU Tiger Classic, losing 7-6 against Charlotte and 5-0 against Southeastern Louisiana.

The UCA Softball team won’t see another rematch against LSU but will return to Louisiana for the Ragin’ Cajun Invitational starting on Feb. 14.