Shawnee, Okla. - The No. 7 Central Methodist Softball team took part in the inaugural NAIA SB Invitational this past weekend in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Central finished the weekend with a 1-3 record after squaring off against three nationally ranked opponents to open the tournament.
Game 1: (RV) Mid-America Christian 2 - No. 7 CMU 0
The lone runs of this tightly contested matchup came in the bottom of the first, as Evangel blasted a two-run home run to left center.
Central was only able to tally two hits through seven innings, and were unable to bring any runs across to score.
Veronica Dearth tossed a complete game, giving up just two runs on eight hits with two strikeouts in the narrow loss.
Game 2: No. 11 Northwestern 4 - No. 7 CMU 1
Central plated the first run against the Raiders in the bottom of the first inning, as Kaysie Jolley homered to left field. Northwestern responded with runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings to take a 3-1 lead.
The final run of the game came on a sacrfice fly in the seventh to put NWC up 4-1. Overall, Northwestern plated its four runs on eight hits, while capitalizing on two errors by the Eagles' defense.
Central scored one run on six hits, but left eight runners on base. Elizabeth Palumbo recorded two hits in three at-bats.
Haley Cotter threw a complete game and allowed two earned runs while striking out five batters.
Game 3: No. 8 Oklahoma City 21 - No. 7 CMU 13
The first game played Sunday was the highest scoring game of the weekend, as both teams combined for 34 runs on 33 hits.
Both Maddie Holly and Jolley tallied three hits in four at-bats, which included a triple for Jolley. Joely Crider batted two-for-four with a home run while driving in two.
Lauren Hill and Jolley matched Crider with two RBI apiece.
Khloe Perkins, Cotter, and Cassidy Brent all saw time in the circle for the Eagles.
Game 4: No. 7 CMU 11 - Avila 0
Central picked up a win in its final game of the weekend, shutting out Avila University 11-0 in five innings.
Dearth earned her second win of the year, throwing every inning and giving up just two hits and one walk with four strikeouts.
Madison Roberts led the Eagles bats with three hits in four trips to the plate, which included a two-RBI double to right center in the fourth.
Palumbo, Holly, Daly Garland, and Rachel Brandt all drove in two runners as well.
Altogether, Central scored 11 runs on 11 hits which included six for extra bases.
Up Next:
Central will host Columbia College for its home opener Saturday, March 1 for a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Cox Softball Complex.
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