Columbus, Ga. - The Central Methodist Softball program fell in its first game of the 2024 NAIA World Series Thursday night in Columbus, Georgia. 

Central fell to perennial NAIA power Science and Arts of Oklahoma by the final score of 8-3. 

As the No. 3 seed in the 10-team tournament, CMU jumped out in front against the No. 6 seeded Drovers in the bottom of the second inning. Senior outfielder Kelena Oots doubled to centerfield to score Daly Garland to give Central a 1-0 lead. 

However, USAO responded in the top half of the third with four runs on five hits while capitilizing on an Eagle error. Highlighting the inning for the Drovers was a two-run home run. 

Science and Arts added two more runs in the fourth, and runs in both the fifth and seventh innings to extend their lead to 8-1.

The Eagles woud trim the deficit in the final half inning with RBI doubles from Garland and Kaysie Jolley. However, Central was unable to cut into USAO's lead any further, as the Drovers would go on to earn the 8-3 win. 

Science and Arts scored its eight runs on 12 hits compared to three runs and six hits for the Eagles. 

Both Oots and Jolley picked up two hits in four at-bats, while both Garland and Makayla Albert each recorded a hit. In addition, Garland drew two walks and crossed the plate twice. 

Jordyn Ball got the start in the circle, tossing two and a third innings before senior Haile Farris came in relief and threw the final four and two thirds innings. 

The Eagles now move to the elimination side of the bracket, and will square off against No. 10 seeded Southern Oregon Friday, May 24 at 1:00 p.m. (EST). 

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