The Central Arkansas softball team opened its home season with a decisive 12-0 victory over Northern Iowa at Natalie Shock Stadium on Wednesday. The Bears now hold a 6-4 record after the win.
Pitcher Bailie Runner delivered her first career no-hitter, striking out three batters and keeping the Panthers scoreless. The Bears’ offense produced 11 hits for the third consecutive game and reached a season-high of 12 runs. Seven of those hits were for extra bases, including two home runs.
In the opening inning, Addie Graham drew a walk and advanced to third base on Trinity Brandon’s single. Brandon then stole second base, putting both runners in scoring position. Kaitlyn Graham hit a home run over centerfield, bringing in three runs. Gracie St. Hilaire followed with a double and later scored on Lilly Hood’s double, giving Central Arkansas an early 4-0 lead.
Runner continued her strong performance in the second inning by striking out two batters and fielding a ground ball for the third out. In their next turn at bat, Graham walked again and advanced to third on another hit from Brandon. An error by Northern Iowa allowed another run to score before Kaitlyn Graham walked to load the bases. LJ Smith also walked, forcing in another run, and Hood hit a triple that cleared the bases, extending the lead to 9-0 after two innings.
Neither team scored in the third inning. In the fourth, Smith singled and St. Hilaire reached base on a bunt before Gracie Molitor hit a three-run home run to left field. The defense closed out the game with three groundouts in the fifth inning.
Central Arkansas will return to Natalie Shock Stadium this weekend for the Michelle Short and Adam Brown Memorial Tournament, where they are scheduled to play five games against Southeastern Louisiana, Saint Louis, and Evansville.
