The Central Arkansas Bears softball team is set to begin its 2026 season at the Bearkat Classic, hosted by Sam Houston State. The tournament will feature five games for the Bears, who are scheduled to face South Dakota, Creighton, and Sam Houston State over three days.
This weekend marks the debut of Kayla Lucas as head coach. Lucas previously served as an assistant coach with Central Arkansas for five years before taking on her new role. She inherits a roster that includes six returning full-time starters and four additional players who saw significant playing time last year.
Among the returnees are three All-ASUN honorees from last season. Addie Graham, who was named First Team All-ASUN, ASUN Freshman of the Year, and ASUN Preseason Player of the Year, returns after leading the team with a .389 batting average, 68 hits, 12 doubles, and 34 RBIs. Sophomore first baseman Kaitlyn Graham also returns after hitting .308 with 48 hits and 31 RBIs. Senior pitcher Bailie Runner will lead the pitching staff again this year; she recorded 11 wins in 2025 with two complete game shutouts and 81 strikeouts.
South Dakota enters the tournament following a season in which it won 32 games and finished second in the Summit League. The team brings back 13 players from last year’s squad, including five considered to be of All-Summit League caliber. South Dakota is predicted to finish fourth in its conference this year.
Creighton also returns 13 players from last season’s roster, including seven starters from a team that won 30 games and finished runner-up in the Big East Tournament. Notable returnees include two All-Big East selections—Kaelan Schultz and Lily West—and Ashten Pierson, who was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
Sam Houston State opens its season at home after finishing last year with a record of 28-29 overall and a strong home record of 17-7. Last season’s meeting between Sam Houston State and Central Arkansas resulted in a narrow win for Central Arkansas during the Louisiana Classic. This year, Sam Houston State is picked fifth in Conference USA’s preseason poll; pitcher Abigail Young received Preseason All-CUSA honors. The Bearkats bring back most of their pitching staff from last year.
No games will be streamed during this weekend’s Bearkat Classic; however, live statistics will be available for all matches.
