CONWAY, Ark. - The Eastern Kentucky University softball team dropped both games of a doubleheader to Central Arkansas on Friday.
 
In game one, the Colonels fell behind early as the Sugar Bears plated four runs in the opening inning. A throwing error brought home the first run before a two-run home run extended the lead to 3-0. Central Arkansas added another run on a groundout to take a 4-0 advantage.
 
EKU threatened in the top of the second, putting runners on second and third with one out, but was unable to capitalize. The Sugar Bears added their final run in the bottom half of the inning on a double to right field, making it 5-0.
 
From that point on, EKU settled in defensively behind relief pitcher Tayteum Vigansky, who allowed just two hits over the remainder of the game.
 
The Colonels mounted a late rally in the seventh. Kennedy Drafton delivered a two-RBI double before Lilly Davis followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 5-3 with no outs. However, Central Arkansas recorded three straight outs to close out the win.
 
In game two, EKU struck first, scoring the game's opening run on a fielder's choice from Drafton that brought home Makayla Mathis.
 
The Colonels extended their lead to 2-0 in the fifth inning. Reese Knox singled before Jaelin Haynes doubled to right-center to move Knox into scoring position. Davis then lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to plate Knox.
 
Central Arkansas responded in the bottom of the fifth, loading the bases with no outs before a two-RBI single tied the game at 2-2. EKU limited further damage by recording three consecutive outs with the bases still loaded.
 
In the bottom of the sixth, the Sugar Bears put together two singles and advanced a runner to third. A groundout brought home the go-ahead run, giving Central Arkansas a 3-2 victory.
 
EKU will look to avoid the series sweep in Saturday's finale, scheduled for noon CT on ESPN+.