UCA softball drops both games on Day One at Cardinal Clash

TROY, Ala. — The Central Arkansas softball team had a tough start to the Cardinal Clash on Friday, dropping both games and falling to 3-4 on the season. The Bears struggled to find steady offense against Radford and host Troy, collecting just six hits across the two contests.

UCA showed flashes at the plate, led by Gracie St. Hilaire. She picked up two hits on the day and stretched her hitting streak to four straight games to begin the season.

Tough first game against Radford

In the opener, the Bears fell 6-1 to Radford. Starting pitcher Bailie Runner set the tone early by striking out the side in the first inning. She needed just 12 pitches to retire the Highlanders in order.

UCA pushed across its only run in the second inning. Kaitlyn Graham recorded the team’s first hit of the day, and a fielding error during Emma Robertson’s at-bat allowed Graham to score from second base. St. Hilaire and LJ Smith later reached to load the bases, but the rally ended on a flyout.

Radford answered with four runs in the third inning to take control. The Bears continued to fight but had limited chances. Robertson added a single in the sixth, yet UCA couldn’t turn it into a scoring opportunity.

Second game struggles against Troy

The second matchup brought more challenges as the Bears fell 8-0 to Troy.

Trinity Brandon drew a leadoff walk to begin the game, but UCA couldn’t move her into scoring position.

Troy broke through in the third inning with two runs.

The Bears kept the deficit manageable for a short time, but the Trojans added six more runs in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach.

St. Hilaire recorded her second hit of the day in the fourth inning, though she was left stranded.

UCA was unable to string together hits or create sustained pressure against Troy’s pitching staff.

Looking ahead to Saturday

The two losses moved the Bears to 3-4 overall.

After winning three games during the opening weekend, UCA will look to regroup as tournament play continues.

The Bears return to action Saturday morning with a 9 a.m. matchup against IU Indy.

Later in the day, UCA will face Troy again in a rematch.

The team will aim to clean up small mistakes and find more rhythm at the plate as the early season schedule continues.

Key Stats from Day One

• UCA totaled six hits in two games.

• Gracie St. Hilaire extended her hitting streak to four games.

• The Bears fell 6-1 to Radford and 8-0 to Troy.

• The team’s record moved to 3-4 on the season.

UCA now turns its focus to Saturday’s games, hoping to respond and build momentum during the remainder of the Cardinal Clash.