Gulf Shores, Ala. - The No. 8 Central Methodist Softball program began the Gulf Shores Invitational with a 3-1 record Friday and Saturday in Gulf Shores, Ala. 

CMU fell to Bethel (Tenn.) in the first game of the tournament, 15-5, followed by a 6-0 shut out win over Webber International. On Saturday, Central defeated Houston-Victoria 11-1 in five innings and then Blue Mountain Christian (Miss.), 9-4. 

The five-run victory over Blue Mountain Christian secured Head Coach Pat Reardon's 900th career win. In 31 years leading the program, Reardon's teams have averaged nearly 30 wins/year. Since 2008, his teams have posted 34 or more wins every season and have won a total of 10 conference championships during his time with the Eagles. He is currently the fourth winningest coach in NAIA history among active head coaches. 

Game one vs. Bethel:

Kelena Oots led the Eagle bats with two hits and a run scored in the defeat. Montana Stangel hit a three-run homer in the top of the first inning, while Makayla Albert homered in the top of the sixth inning. 

Kaysie Jolley also recorded an RBI-single. Freshman Brooke Tolle got the start in the circle, pitching five complete innings. Haley Cotter also saw action inside the circle in the fifth and final inning. 

Game two vs. Webber International:

Central finished the game with six runs on 11 hits in the win. Oots, Madison Roberts, Stangel, and Joely Crider picked up two hits apiece including an RBI-double for Roberts. 

Stangel finished the game driving in three runners; highlighted by an RBI-single in the first inning and a two-run home run in the third. Kaylee Parker and Lauren Hill also picked up RBI singles in the later innings. 

Haile Farris got her first career win for the Eagles, tossing a complete game shut out while giving up no runs on four hits. She also struck out seven batters. 

Game three vs. Houston-Victoria:

The Eagles scored 11 runs on 14 hits, including three for extra bases. Stangel led the Eagle bats with two hits in four at bats which included four RBI. Madison White, Crider, and Elizabeth Palumbo all drove in a runner as well. 

Jordyn Ball picked up her third career win, giving up just one earned run on four hits through five complete innings. She also struck out four batters. 

Game four vs. Blue Mountain Christian:

Palumbo picked up three hits in four at-bats, while Crider drove in three RBI, including a two-RBI double in the second. White and Crider each recorded doubles in the game as well. 

Haley Cotter picked up her first career win in the circle, pitching five complete innings and allowing just two earned runs on five hits. Haile Farris pitched the final two innings and gave up just one earned run on three hits. Cotter and Farris eached recorded one strikeout. 

Up Next:

The Eagles will conclude the Invitational with a matchup against Southeastern (Fla.) beginning at 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning. 

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