Cedar Rapids, Iowa - The Central Methodist softball team survived a wild opening game on day one of the Heart Conference Tournament Thursday afternoon in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

The Eagles just edged Culver-Stockton College by a final of 9-8 in extra innings. With the win, Central improves to 36-4 while the Wildcats fall to 22-23. Today's win marks CMU's 27th consecutive victory, matching the longest win streak in the last 15 years in program history (March 23 - April 30, 2015). 

CMU found themselves trailing early, as Culver-Stockton plated two runs in the first inning. Central went scoreless through the first three innings of play before getting on the board in the fourth. Heart Player of the Year Madison White tied the game at 2-2 on a two-RBI single back up the middle to score Katelyn Kiser and Madison Love. 

Micaela Harcrow put Central out in front just one batter later on a single to score Oots. Kelli Gorman padded CMU's lead in the sixth on a three-run home run to left center. 

However, Culver-Stockton went on a tear in the seventh inning, scoring six runs on two hits to take an 8-6 lead. CMU answered right back in the bottom half of the frame, scoring two runs. The first being an RBI-single from White, and the second on a throwing error by the Wildcats' third baseman. 

The game would go into extra innings with Central holding CS-C scoreless in the top of the eighth. Following a single from Kaylee Parker, Katelyn Kiser hit a ball to left field, just deep enough for Parker to beat the the throw to home for the victory.

White batted a perfect four-four-four with three RBI and one walk. Oots, Gorman, Parker, and Kiser all tallied two hits, while Gorman recorded her seventh home run of the season. 

Keighlan Cronin got the start in the circle, tossing the first 0.2 innings before Mykala Johnico came in relief to pitch the next 5.2. Cronin would reenter in the seventh inning to hold Culver without a run en route to her 18th win of the year. 

Central advances in the winner's side of the bracket and will next face William Penn University Friday, May 6 at 12:00 p.m.

��, WALK OFF! Kiser doubles to left field to score Parker from first! Eagles edge Culver-Stockton, 9-8 in eight innings! #GoGreen��⚪️ pic.twitter.com/N239QpPtn6

— CMU Athletics (@cmueagles) May 5, 2022

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