UCA splits opening day, downing South Dakota, falling late to Creighton

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Central Arkansas opened the 2026 softball season Friday with a split at the Bearkat Classic, earning a win over South Dakota before coming up just short against Creighton.

UCA showed balance in the opener, combining timely hitting with steady pitching to secure a 7-3 victory.

In the nightcap, the Bears clawed back from an early deficit but fell 5-4 after bringing the tying run to the plate in the final inning.

The opening day offered an early look at a Bears team that leaned on patience at the plate and resilience when challenged.

Against South Dakota, the Bears avoided forcing offense early. Instead, they waited for openings and capitalized once those chances appeared.

UCA broke through in the fourth inning. Emma Robertson reached base to start the rally, and a sacrifice fly from Grace Molitor produced the game’s first run.

That sequence opened the door for a multi-run inning that allowed the Bears to take control.

Addie Graham anchored the lineup with a 3-for-4 performance, consistently applying pressure to the Coyotes’ defense.

Freshman LJ Smith added her first collegiate home run later in the game, extending the lead and adding separation on the scoreboard.

From the circle, Bailie Runner handled the opener from start to finish. She scattered seven hits across seven innings and limited damage throughout, giving the Bears a steady presence behind the offense.

The second game unfolded differently.

Creighton struck early, scoring four runs in the second inning to create immediate separation.

The Bears responded by chipping away, inning by inning, using disciplined at-bats and smart baserunning to stay within reach.

Robertson sparked the offense again by reaching base and moving into scoring position.

Graham continued her productive day with another key hit, while Trinity Brandon delivered a double that helped pull UCA within striking distance.

By the seventh inning, the Bears had trimmed the deficit to one run and created pressure with runners aboard.

UCA brought the tying run into scoring position and forced Creighton to navigate the final moments carefully.

The comeback attempt stopped just short, ending with a strikeout that sealed the one-run loss.

Despite the result, the Bears showed an ability to respond after falling behind early, an encouraging sign on the season’s first day.

The split also provided a useful measuring stick as UCA opened play under head coach Kayla Lucas, who began her first season after spending five years on the Bears’ staff.

The Bears were scheduled to continue play at the Bearkat Classic on Saturday, facing the same opponents while carrying forward lessons from both games.

For UCA, opening day offered a starting point — proof of what translated well early and clarity on areas still needing refinement as the 2026 season moves ahead.