Henderson, Tenn. - The Central Methodist Softball program clinched a spot in the NAIA Softball World Series with a thrilling victory over Freed-Hardeman in the Opening Round Championship of the Henderson Bracket Wednesday afternoon. 

The Eagles knocked off the host school by a final score of 6-4 in a 10 inning ball game. 

Central needed just one win in the double elimination tournament to secure a world series berth. All signs pointed towards a trip to Georgia for the Eagles beginning in the first inning. 

A sacrifice fly from Elizabeth Palumbo to score Kelena Oots plated the first run of the game in the opening frame. The Lions would tie the game on a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning. Central answered right back on an RBI-single from Katelyn Kiser in the fourth to put the Eagles back out in front, 2-1. 

In the next inning, freshman Kaysie Jolley homered to center field to score two runs and push CMU's lead to 4-1. 

Central maintained that lead until the bottom of the seventh, where the Lions clawed their way back to score three runs and tie the game at 4-4. 

The score remained deadlocked at 4-4 until an RBI-single from freshman Madison Roberts scored Oots in the 10th inning. Lauren Hill then forced a bases loaded walk to put Central up 6-4. 

In the bottom of the 10th, Haley Cotter retired the side in order to send Central to its first World Series berth since the 2015 season. 

Roberts led the Eagle bats with five hits in six plate appearances, followed by Jolley who picked up four hits including a two-run home run. Altogether, Central plated six runs on 15 hits and six walks. 

Freshman Jordyn Ball got the start in the circle, tossing 4.1 innings and allowing just one earned run on six hits and four Ks. Haile Farris came in relief in the middle innings before Cotter pushed Central across the finish line in the latter stages of the game and extra innings. 

Cotter earned her eighth win of the year, tossing four scoreless frames and striking out three batters. 

Central clinched its fourth World Series berth in program history with the victory over Freed-Hardeman. 

CMU will take on a familiar foe, fellow Heart institution Baker University in the 8/9 matchup of the World Series Thursday, May 25 at 12:00 p.m. in Columbus, Georiga. 

The winner will face No. 1 seed Oregon Tech the following day. To view the NAIA World Series Bracket, please click here. 

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