The Central Arkansas softball team will host the Michelle Short & Adam Brown Memorial Collegiate Classic from Friday to Sunday. The event marks the first of two home tournaments for the Bears this season and will feature three visiting teams: Southeastern Louisiana, Saint Louis, and Evansville.
Central Arkansas is scheduled to play five games during the tournament. On Friday, they face Southeastern Louisiana at 2:30 p.m. and Saint Louis at 5 p.m. Saturday’s matchups include Evansville at 3 p.m. and Saint Louis at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Sunday game against Evansville at 1 p.m.
The Bears come into the tournament with a 6-4 record after a decisive win over Northern Iowa earlier in the week. Pitcher Bailie Runner achieved her first career no-hitter in that game, while the defense prevented any significant offensive threats from Northern Iowa. Offensively, Central Arkansas recorded 11 hits for the third consecutive game, including multiple extra-base hits.
Recent improvements in hitting have seen Central Arkansas bat .379 or better over their last three games. Trinity Brandon leads with a .412 average and has produced several extra-base hits. Five players have hit home runs this season, and seven have stolen bases.
Southeastern Louisiana arrives with a 9-3 record and a five-game winning streak, having recently won all games at the Mardi Gras Mambo in Youngsville, Louisiana. The Lions’ lineup features four players with double-digit hits and six players who have driven in five or more runs each. They also lead in stolen bases among participating teams.
Saint Louis comes into the weekend on a four-game winning streak with an overall record of 6-4. The Bilikens’ offense has produced 26 doubles through ten games and drawn 39 walks.
Evansville holds a 4-5 record ahead of the tournament after splitting games at Memphis’ recent event. The Purple Aces have hit eight home runs this season—more than any other team in the field—with Maliyah Wilkins contributing three homers and leading her team in RBIs.
Tournament information is available on the Tournament Homepage, with select Central Arkansas games streamed on ESPN+ and live statistics provided online.
