FLORENCE, Ala. -- Central Arkansas used a four-run third inning to take control of the game and went on to down North Alabama 9-2 in ASUN Conference softball action at the Hilda B. Anderson Softball Complex.

With the game scoreless after two innings, UCA scored four runs on four hits in the third, including a two-run home run from Morgan Nelson.

UNA got a run back in the bottom of the third when Mckenzie Patterson walked and later scored on a Haven Kirby RBI-single.

The Bears got two more in the fourth, one in the fifth and one in the sixth for a 8-1 advantage.

The Lions scored a run in the bottom of the sixth when Georgia Land doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Brooke Burback.

UCA added a run in the seventh to make the final count 9-2.

UNA starter Elena Escobar (4-2) took the loss, allowing four runs on five hits over three innings.

Land and Felicity Frame led UNA with two hits each.

The Lions and Bears continue the series with a double-header Saturday schedule for 1:00 p.m.