The Central Arkansas softball team secured two wins on Saturday at the Cardinal Classic in Troy, Alabama, defeating IU Indy and Radford with strong offensive performances.
In the first game against IU Indy, Central Arkansas scored early, with Addie Graham reaching base and scoring in the opening inning. The Bears added another run in the second after Grace Molitor’s sacrifice fly. The third inning saw Central Arkansas extend its lead significantly through a series of hits and walks, including contributions from Kaitlin Graham, LJ Smith, Gracie St. Hilaire, Lilly Hood, and others. By the end of the third inning, the Bears had established a commanding lead.
IU Indy managed to score one run in the fourth inning before Central Arkansas responded with additional runs following a triple by Molitor and an error. Jaleigh White earned her second win as pitcher for Central Arkansas, allowing three hits over 4.1 innings and striking out five batters.
In their second game of the day against Radford, Central Arkansas fell behind early as Radford scored in each of the first two innings. The Bears answered in the third when Lilly Hood walked and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Addie Graham.
Central Arkansas rallied in the sixth inning with five consecutive hits that resulted in four runs before Radford could record an out. In the seventh inning, further extra-base hits from Grace Molitor and Trinity Brandon helped add to their total as they finished with eight runs over two innings to secure a 9-2 victory.
Due to expected rain in Alabama, tournament organizers canceled Sunday’s games. The next scheduled contest for Central Arkansas is their home opener against Northern Iowa at Natalie Shock Stadium on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
