Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Softball program opened national tournament play with a 4-1 win over No. 3 seeded British Columbia Monday afternoon inside Cox Softball Complex. 

With the win, Central improves to 39-9 and remains in the winner's bracket. British Columbia drops to 26-19 and moves to the loser's bracket. 

The Eagles jumped out in front with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Joely Crider began the inning with a leadoff walk, followed by double from Elizabeth Palumbo to left center to put runners in scoring position with no outs. 

Junior Madison Roberts drove in both runners with a two-RBI double to left center, giving CMU a 2-0 lead. 

The Thunderbirds cut the deficit in half in the third inning on an error by the CMU defense. 

Central would score its next run in the fifth inning, as Maddie Holly singled to left field to score pinch runner Kayla Richardson from third. 

Roberts put the finishing touches on the game with an RBI single in the sixth to plate Crider. 

Haley Cotter got the start in the circle for the Eagles, tossing a complete game and allowing just one run, unearned, on five hits and walk. She struck out two batters en route to her 17th win of the year. 

Palumbo finished the day batting a perfect three-for-three including a pair of doubles. Roberts finished the day with two hits in three at-bats, which included a game-high three RBI. 

Central will next take on No. 1 seeded LSU Alexandria Tuesday, May 13 at 2:30 p.m. The winner of that game will head to the Opening Round Championship the following day. 

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