SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Central Methodist University softball team ventured to Evangel University to continue conference play. The squad split with the Crusaders, securing a commanding 10-2 victory in game one but falling 1-0 in game two.

GAME ONE (Win 10-2)

Taylor Patton (SR/Columbia, Mo.) was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate in the first game, launching a homer to deep-right center in the second inning to get Central on the board. A sacrifice fly from Rene Burkland (FR/Peoria, Ariz.) plated the second run of the inning.

A double from Hannah Criswell (SO/Kennett, Mo.) to center in the third inning scored one. A double from Jordan Jenkins (JR/Kansas City, Mo.) later in the inning plated Criswell to extend the lead.

Meredith Adam (JR/Foristell, Mo.) earned an RBI on a sacrifice fly to right-center in the fifth inning before the Eagles caught fire in the sixth with a five-run frame. A three-run homerun from Kelli Gorman (SO/St. Charles, Mo.) highlighted the scoring affair. Criswell launched one over the fence at center to plate one and a double from Adam scored the final runner for Central. Evangel plated their two runs in the bottom of the sixth on a double to center.

Ashley Wills (SR/Cameron, Mo.) picked up the win on the rubber after tossing six innings. She surrendered four hits while retiring five batters.

GAME TWO (Loss 1-0)

Bats were quieted for both teams in the second game as the teams combined for just five hits in the pitchers' duel. Mae Mitchell (JR/Frederick, Colo.) and Patton had one hit each. The Crusaders squeaked a shot through the left side with two outs in the final inning to plate the winning run.

Keighlan Cronin (FR/St. Charles, Mo.) got the start and took the loss for the Eagles after tossing a complete game. Cronin scattered just three hits, punching out seven batters through 6.2 innings.

UP NEXT

Central will continue their road streak with a trip to William Penn on Saturday afternoon. They doubleheader is set to begin at 1 PM in Oskaloosa, Iowa.