MONROE, La. — Central Arkansas (0-1) fell to the University of Louisiana at Monroe (1-0) with an 11-2 loss on Friday at Lou St. Amant Field, marking the opening day of the 2026 Bears baseball season.

Central Ark. fell to ULM 11-2 in a contest that saw a series of momentum swings. ULM jumped ahead in the third inning, capitalizing on a hit-by-pitch and a walk followed by a pair of RBI plays to take a 2-0 lead. Central Ark. answered in the fourth as Casey Shipley's single, combined with a throwing error, allowed Jayden Sloan to score, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. The score stood at Central Ark. 1, ULM 3 after the fourth.

In the fifth inning, the Bears managed another run when Parker Gwyn scored on a sacrifice fly by Zeb Allen, bringing the score to 3-2. However, ULM responded decisively in the sixth inning. After loading the bases, a two-RBI single and a three-run homer extended ULM's lead to 10-2. 

The seventh inning saw ULM tack on another run with a sacrifice fly, making it 11-2.

J. Williams started the game for the Bears, pitching 3 innings and allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits while striking out 2 batters. J. Pannell came in for 2 innings of relief, conceding 6 earned runs on 5 hits, and recorded 1 strikeout. S. Curtis pitched 1 inning, giving up 2 earned runs on 2 hits, including a home run, while striking out 1 batter. K. Nesslage completed 2 innings on the mound, allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit and striking out 1.

Jack Runsick contributed significantly in the field with five assists at third base. Jayden Sloan added a hit and scored a run, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively. Nate Negre recorded a hit and handled two assists at shortstop, demonstrating solid performance both at the plate and in the field. Gwyn reached base after being hit by a pitch and scored a run while adding three assists in his defensive role at second base.

In their next game, the Bears will face ULM at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 in Monroe, Louisiana for game two of this four game series.