Fayette, Mo. — The No. 17 Central Methodist softball team used a pair of strong offensive performances to secure a doubleheader sweep over conference newcomer William Woods Sunday afternoon at Reardon Family Field.
The Eagles improve to 23-10 overall and 9-3 in conference play, while the Owls drop to 13-14 overall and 6-5 in the Heart.
Game 1: No. 17 Central Methodist 12 - William Woods 4 (6 innings)
Central wasted no time setting the tone in the opener, erupting for five runs in the first inning and never looking back in a 12-4 run-rule victory.
After William Woods struck first on an RBI sacrifice fly in the top of the first, the Eagles answered immediately. Madison Roberts tied the game with an RBI single before Kelsey O'Dowd delivered the big blow—a bases-clearing triple to put CMU ahead 4-1. Kinlei Boley followed with an RBI double to cap the inning.
The Eagles added two more runs in the second behind a Joely Crider RBI triple and a William Woods error to extend the lead to 7-1. The Owls chipped away in the third, highlighted by AN RBI triple and a run scored on a wild pitch.
However, William Woods could not slow the Eagles' offense.
Central added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings, including a two-run single from Brianna Craig and late RBI from Boley and Isabella Proctor to seal the 12-4 win.
O'Dowd led the Eagles offensively with four RBI, while Boley added two doubles and two RBI. Crider also contributed with a triple and an RBI.
In the circle, Karlie Barnum improved to 11-1, tossing a complete game with four strikeouts while allowing four runs on six hits.
Game 2: No. 17 Central Methodist 6 - William Woods 5
Game two proved to be more tightly contested, but a decisive fourth inning lifted CMU to a 6-5 victory and the sweep.
After three scoreless innings, the Eagles broke through with a six-run fourth. Maddie Holly's single and a William Woods error opened the scoring. O'Dowd followed with an RBI double. Boley added a sacrifice fly, Rachel Brandt drove in a run with a single, and Elizabeth Palumbo capped the inning with a two-run single to give CMU a 6-0 advantage.
William Woods responded with a five-run fifth inning to cut the deficit to one.
However, the Owls were held scoreless the rest of the way. Boley was dominant in relief for Central, tossing 2.1 hitless innings with two strikeouts to earn the win and secure the sweep.
Palumbo led the Eagles with a pair of RBI in game two, while O'Dowd and Brandt each added an RBI. Holly paced the offense with two hits.
Up Next:
Central continues conference play with a doubleheader against Clarke scheduled for Friday, April 3 at 1:00 p.m. at Reardon Family Field.
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