CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas softball team had about as perfect a home opener as one could ask for: dominant pitching, a stellar defense behind the circle, and a dynamite day at the plate. The result, a 12-0 win over Northern Iowa Wednesday afternoon at Natalie Shock Stadium.
 
The Bears improved to 6-4 with the win. Bailie Runner tossed her first-career no-hitter, blanking the Panthers while striking out three. The bats were on point as well, with 11 hits for the third-straight game and a season-high 12 runs. Seven of the hits were for extra bases, including a pair of home runs.
 
After a clean top of the first, the Bears offense went right to work. Addie Graham walked, and sped over to third on a sharply hit single by Trinity Brandon. Brandon stole second to put both runners in scoring position. A couple of batters later, Kaitlyn Graham located and detonated, finding her pitch and sending it over the centerfield wall. Gracie St. Hilaire kept the fun going with a double down the right line, and she scored on the next at bat on a double by Lilly Hood, establishing a quick 4-0 lead.
 
Runner took over for the second quarter, striking out the first two batters before fielding a grounder for the third out, sending her team back to the plate. Graham walked again, and again moved to third on a hit by Brandon. The Panthers tried to get Graham at the plate on an infield tap by Emma Robertson, but the throw was off target and the Bears added to the lead. Kaitlyn Graham walked to load the bases, and LJ Smith walked to score a run. A couple of batters later, Hood cleared them all with a triple to center that got lost in the sun, making it a 9-0 lead after two innings.
 
Neither team scored in the third, but Central Arkansas went right back to work in the fourth. Smith started things off with a single to right center. St. Hilaire bunted to get on base, and two batters later, Gracie Molitor blasted a three-run shot of her own, tanking one to left field to add to the bloodshed. The defense fielded three grounders in the fifth, and the ball game was over.
 
The Bears are back at Natalie Shock Stadium this weekend, hosting the Michelle Short and Adam Brown Memorial Tournament from Friday to Sunday. The Bears will play five games against Southeastern Louisiana, Saint Louis and Evansville.