Alexandria, La. - The No. 13 Central Methodist softball program began the 2022 campaign with a split in its opening two games of the Generals Show Friday in Alexandria, La. 

The Eagles started the day with a 6-0 victory over Arlington Baptist, followed by a 6-1 loss to Blue Mountain College in the night cap. 

In the first game against the Patriots, the Eagles' bats jumped out in front quickly with three runs in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Madison White, followed by a solo shot from senior Madison Love. 

Love pushed Central's lead to four with an RBI double in the third inning. CMU addded its final two runs in the fourth on an RBI single from Micaela Harcrow and a sac fly from Kelli Gorman to score Kelena Oots. 

Keighlan Cronin pitched a gem inside the circle, tossing a complete game and giving up only one hit with a career-high 15 strikeouts. Overall, the senior retired 18 of the 22 batters faced. 

The Eagles fell in the final game of the day to Blue Mountain College, 6-1. CMU grabbed an early lead in the top of the second on a ground out from Lauren Hill which scored Daly Garland. However, the Toppers responded with three runs in the fourth, one in the fifth, and two in the sixth to earn a five run victory. 

Oots, Gorman, Katelyn Kiser, and Garland each picked up two hits, as the team finished the evening with 10 hits. Collectively, Central left 10 runners on base and drew two walks. 

Love got the nod for the start inside the circle, tossing six innings and giving up four earned runs with six strikeouts. 

Central is slated to take on Central Baptist and Louisiana Christian Saturday, Feb. 12 in Pineville, La in their final two games of the weekend. 

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