The Central Arkansas softball team is set to compete in its second tournament of the season, with five games scheduled at Troy University’s home tournament. The Bears will open play on Friday morning against Radford and face Troy later that day. Saturday’s schedule includes a game against IU Indy and a rematch with Radford. The tournament concludes for Central Arkansas on Sunday with another matchup against Troy.
Last weekend, Central Arkansas began its season with three wins out of five games, defeating South Dakota twice and Creighton once. It was the first weekend for Kayla Lucas as head coach. According to the team, “the Bears played like the Bears wanted to: the top of the order was excellent, lots of baserunning and stolen bases, and excellent defense.” Players Addie Graham and Trinity Brandon combined for 15 hits each while batting over .400. Emma Robertson hit three home runs and drove in eight runs. Renee Christian stole six bases during the opening weekend, placing her third nationally in stolen bases after one week.
Defensively, Central Arkansas committed only one error in their first five games. Their .993 fielding percentage ranks eighth nationally after opening weekend, and they turned six double plays—more than any other team to start the season.
Radford has yet to play this year after its first tournament was canceled. The Highlanders are coming into the season with five players named to the Preseason All-Big South team; pitcher Dakota Redmon was chosen as Preseason Pitcher of the Year. Radford topped both their conference’s preseason poll and secured a No. 23 spot in D1Softball’s Mid-Major Preseason Rankings.
Troy started its campaign by hosting the Trojan Classic, finishing with a 4-1 record including four run-rule victories over Middle Tennessee, Chattanooga, North Alabama, and Southern. The Trojans posted a .452 team batting average through their first five games while holding opponents to .245; they outscored opponents 48-15 and stole 17 bases without allowing any.
IU Indy opened its season going 3-2. After losing their first two contests, they won three straight over Kent State, Wofford, and Monmouth. Three Jaguars hitters batted at least .500 during opening weekend as IU Indy totaled 56 hits across five games. Pitcher Lily Roush recorded a 2.52 ERA over 8.1 innings pitched.
Live statistics will be available for all tournament games involving Central Arkansas this weekend; both matchups against Troy will also be broadcast on ESPN+.
