Alexandria, La. - The No. 8 Central Methodist Softball began the 2023 campaign with a split on the first day of the Generals Showdown in Alexandria, La. 

The Eagles won the first game against host school LSU-Alexandria, 4-0, followed by a narrow 5-3 loss to No. 2 Mobile (Ala.)

Against the Generals, the Eagles scored their first two runs on ground outs in the second and third innings. Leading 2-0, Katelyn Kiser singled to right field in the fifth to plate Kelena Oots and Kaysie Jolley, pushing Central's lead to 4-0. 

Freshman Jordyn Ball had a solid showing in the circle in her first career start as an Eagle. The local product of Fayette High School tossed a complete game shut out, giving up only two hits and a pair of walks while striking out 11 batters. 

Kelena Oots finished the game batting two-for-two with a run scored, while Kiser drove in three runners. 

Against the Rams, Central jumped out in front 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning on a two-run home run to left field from Kiser. Mobile plated four runs in the top of the sixth inning to take a 5-3 lead over CMU. 

The Rams held CMU scoreless through the final three innings to secure the two-run victory. 

Haile Farris pitched 5.1 innings, giving up five earned runs on 10 hits while striking out five batters. 

Central will conclude the tournament with games against Lindsey Wilson and Louisiana Christian beginning Saturday, Feb. 11 at 9:00 a.m. 

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