CLEARWATER, Fla. – The 2024 season did not get off to a hot start for the Central Arkansas softball team, who dropped both games of its opening day on Friday. After falling to Notre Dame in the early game, the Bears struggled to rally, falling in extra innings against North Carolina Central University.
Game One – Notre Dame: 3, Central Arkansas: 0
Game one was all about the debut of
Bailie Runner, who transferred in the offseason from Oklahoma State. And despite her limited usage at her last school, Runner had no problem jumping right into the rotation, giving up just two hits through the first five innings. The Oologah, Oklahoma native was dealing from the onset, sitting down the top of the lineup in order in the first inning.
But offensively, things were about the same as they were for the Fighting Irish. The Bears struggled to put runners on base, finally getting a baserunner in the form of a
Colleen Bare walk in the fourth inning. Despite that, and a double from
Emma Robertson, Central Arkansas couldn't muster up much else.
The dam finally broke in the seventh inning, where the Fighting Irish plated three runs. Central Arkansas sent the top of the lineup to the plate with hopes of responding, but went back to the dugout in order.
Game Two – NCCU: 5, Central Arkansas: 4
Central Arkansas struck first in the second game against North Carolina Central University, with
Tremere Harris getting on base via a walk.
Kylie Griffin dropped a beautiful bunt down the third-base line, reaching base and moving Harris to second. Advancing a base each on the next at bat,
Morgan Nelson finally punched a double to left center to drive the pair home.
It would take until the third inning for the Eagles to respond, tying the game with two runs of their own. NCCU would waste little time taking the lead, doing so with a run in the fourth inning. Central Arkansas would be down to its final inning to get one through to tie the game, but the top of the lineup would come through again. Harris got on base with a bunt, dropping it right in front of home plate. Griffin walked, advancing Harris into scoring position. Then,
Emma Robertson blasted one out to right field, allowing Harris to sprint home and tie the game.
NCCU plated two runs in the top of the eighth inning, taking advantage of an error to jump back in front. When Central Arkansas got back to the dish,
Lilly Hood drove
Erin Michael in from second. But the Bears couldn't come through with another run, dropping their second game of the day.
Kassie Rhodes made her debut in relief, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing three runs, one of which was earned. Rhodes also had two strikeouts in her first appearance for the Bears.
Central Arkansas returns to the field on Saturday, playing St. John's and Kansas in day two of the NFCA Leadoff Classic.
