Branson, Mo. - The No. 8 Central Methodist softball program opened the 2026 season in emphatic fashion Friday, rolling to a pair of run-rule victories over Olivet Nazarene and Crowley's Ridge on day one of the Branson Bash in Branson, Missouri.

Game 1: No. 8 Central Methodist 17 - Olivet Nazarene 3:

After surrendering a first-inning home run, the Eagles' offense erupted for 17 runs across the final three frames to secure a 17–3 win over the Tigers in the season opener.

Central broke the game open with a five-run third inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Joely Crider, the program's first long ball of the season. The Eagles continued to apply pressure with patient at-bats, drawing 12 walks and capitalizing on ONU miscues.

The fourth inning added three more runs, including an RBI double from Madison Roberts, before CMU put the game away with a nine-run fifth. Elizabeth Palumbo tripled home a run and later added an RBI single, while Rachel Brandt delivered a two-run single to center. The Eagles plated runs via six different hitters in the final frame.

Brandt finished two-for-two with three RBI and two runs scored, while Palumbo went two-for-two with two RBI and two walks. Roberts collected two doubles and drove in two, and Crider totaled two RBI with her home run.

In the circle, Haley Cotter earned the win, allowing three runs on six hits with four strikeouts in four innings. Karlie Barnum closed the door with a scoreless fifth, striking out two.

Game 2: No. 8 Central Methodist 14 - Crowley's Ridge 0:

The Eagles kept the momentum rolling in game two of the day, blanking Crowley's Ridge 14–0 behind dominant pitching and another explosive offensive performance.

CMU tallied three runs in the first inning and then erupted for nine more in the second to seize full control. Crider continued her big day at the plate, launching a two-run homer in the second inning and later adding a two-run single. She finished a perfect three-for-three with four RBI and two runs scored.

Kinlei Boley delivered a two-run double in the opening frame, while Emma King, Kendall Miller, and Rachel Brandt each drove in runs during the second-inning surge. Central Methodist tacked on two more runs in the fourth to cap the scoring.

In the circle, Boley earned the win with three shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five. Emma Ray was equally sharp in relief, tossing two scoreless frames with five strikeouts to complete the three-hit shutout.

Up Next:

Central will close out the Branson Bash Saturday, Feb.7 with games against Doane (12:00) and McPherson (2:00).

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