CONWAY, Ark. – Friday night was a successful outing for the Central Arkansas softball team, who opened up its ASUN series against Bellarmine with a 6-0 win. After celebrating the academic accomplishments of their four graduates, the Bears cruised to a series opening victory.
 
The win improved the Bears to 24-25 on the season, and more importantly, 15-7 in the ASUN. After just a single game in the series, Central Arkansas has bumped itself up to third in the ASUN standings, which would allow the Bears to avoid the single-elimination play-in games.
 
It didn't take long for the Bears to strike on offense. Kylie Griffin took a four-pitch walk to get on base and promptly stole second. Tremere Harris completed the score by pounding a triple to center field, driving in Griffin for the game's opening run.
 
Central Arkansas added another in the home half of the third, kicking things off with a Gracie St. Hilaire single to open the frame. Bailie Runner punched a hit to right center, and St. Hilaire scampered over to third on the play. Kennedy Fisher capped the score with an infield touch, on which St. Hilaire was able to cross home plate.
 
Both offenses would go cold for the third inning, as both sides went three up, three down. But the Bears went right back to work in the fourth, as St. Hilaire again got on base with a single. McKayla Betts moved her to second with a hit of her own, and Fisher sent her teammate home with a single that got through the infield, making it a 4-0 lead for the home team.
 
The final runs of the game came in the fifth inning. Tremere Harris walked, and Lilly Hood single to move her into scoring position. Morgan Nelson came up to the plate and smashed a double straight up the middle of the field, scoring both runners as the ball rolled all the way to the fence.
 
Runner, who also pitched, tossed a two-hitter on Friday night, striking out six batters en route to her first solo shutout of the conference season. The junior transfer was in control all night, keeping the hitters guessing and keeping everything in front of the defense.
 
Central Arkansas plays a doubleheader tomorrow to close out the regular season, starting at 11 a.m. at Natalie Shock Stadium. Prior to the start of play, the Bears will honor the legacies and contributions of seniors Tremere Harris and Morgan Nelson.