Cedar Rapids, Iowa - The Central Methodist Softball team won three straight games Sunday to claim their third consecutive Heart Tournament Championship in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
After a tough loss Saturday, Central moved to the elimination side of the bracket, having to battle their way back into the championship series, needing to win three straight games to claim the tournament crown.
The Eagles began the day with an 8-2 victory over Grand View. GV jumped out in front with two runs in the third inning, before Central countered with four in the bottom half of the frame.
Kaysie Jolley doubled to right center to score both Kelena Oots and Daly Garland, tying the game at 2-2. The go ahead run came on an RBI single from Madison Roberts to score Jolley.
The final run of the inning came when Lauren Hill was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, scoring Madison White.
Central would add three more runs in the fifth, courtesy of a two-RBI double from Garland and an RBI single to left field from Oots.
Jordyn Ball earned her 23rd win of the year, tossing six complete innings and allowing just two earned runs on eight hits. Haile Farris came in relief for the final inning of work, retiring two batters faced with one strikeout.
Central then moved onto the championship series, where they needed to defeat Benedictine twice to earn the conference crown.
Farris made sure Central got there, as the senior tossed a no-hitter in the Eagles' 7-0 game one win over BC. She also struck out three batters and gave up just two walks. It marked Farris' second no hitter this season.
CMU opened the game with five runs in the second inning before plating two in the fourth. Jolley led the bats with three hits in four trips to the plate, highlighted by a two RBI double to centerfield in the second.
The Eagles also picked up RBI singles from Hill, Garland, Oots, White and Joely Crider in the shut out win.
In the winner-take-all finale, Central jumped out in front with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning, courtesy of a two-RBI double to right field from Crider.
The Ravens plated two runs in both the third and fourth innings to take a 4-2 lead over CMU.
But, as they have done all season, the Eagles rallied in the fifth, scoring six runs on five hits while capitalizing on a Benedictine error.
Trailing 4-3, White put Central out in front with a two-run home run to left field.
Ball, who came in to pitch the final three innings, gave up only two hits during that span to seal the tournament title for Central. Farris earned the win in the circle, tallying five strikeouts on her way to her 19th win of the year.
Central will now turn its attention to the national tournament, beginning with the Opening Round next week in Fayette.
The Eagles will find out what teams they will be hosting during the NAIA Softball Selection Show, set for Tuesday, May 7 at 4:00 p.m. on the NAIA Youtube page.
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