NATCHITOCHES, La. _ Timely hitting and solid pitching carried the University of Central Arkansas Bears to a 6-2 victory over the Northwestern Demons in the 2025 season opener on Friday night at Brown-Stroud Field.

UCA starting pitcher Charlie Christensen, a preseason All-ASUN selection, went four innings on a pitch count, striking out six and allowing one earned run to earn the victory. Solid middle relief from Perry Titlow and Gavin Alveti turned it over to closer Hunter Alexander, who struck out four over the final two innings.

The Bears grabbed an early lead in the top of the first when sophomore left fielder Zeb Allen led off the game with a four-pitch walk. Newcomer Nathan Negre, a freshman second baseman from Aurora, Mo., doubled down the left-field line to send Allen to third. Junior third baseman Bryce Cermenelli then singled through the left side of the infield to bring in the Bears' first run of the season. 

Senior catcher Casey Shipley made it a 2-0 lead when he grounded into a double play, scoring Negre.  
 
The Demons got one run back in the fourth but UCA answered with another pair in the fifth. Transfer designated hitter Keon Moseni walked and pinch hitter Blaine French did the same to start the inning.  Following a pair of strikeouts, Allen was hit by a pitch to load the bases before Negre's ground ball alluded the NSU second baseman for an error and two more runs.

The Demons managed one more run in the seventh but could not get any more out of their nine hits. 

Allen, a member of the ASUN All-Freshman team a year ago, finished 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a walk. Negre was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and an RBI, while Moseni had a base hit and three walks.

The three-game series continues on Saturday with a new start time of noon due to expected weather.