Bowling Green, Ky. - The No. 1 Central Methodist softball team began opening round play against St. Mary of the Woods Monday afternoon in Bowling Green, Ky. 

The Eagles won the pitcher's duel by a final score of 1-0. With the victory, Central improves its overall record to 41-5 and advances in the winner's bracket, where they will face No. 3 seeded Tennesee Wesleyan tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. 

The lone run of the game was scored in the bottom of the third inning. Sophomore third basemen Katelyn Kiser led off, reaching first after a hit by pitch. Following a stolen base from Kiser to advance to second, Kelena Oots drew a walk to put runners at first and second with no outs. 

Madison White then reached on a fielder's choice, putting Kiser in scoring position at third. Micaela Harcrow put a ball in play at second base, resulting in another fielder's choice. The Pomeroys took the second out, giving Kiser enough time to scamper home from third. 

SMWC threatened in the top of the fourth, stringing together three consecutive hits to start the inning. With the bases loaded and no outs, senior ace Keighlan Cronin retired three straight batters to preserve Central's 1-0 lead.

The Pomeroys had another opportunity to score in the sixth inning with runners on first and second with one out. 

A deep fly ball to left field appeared to be just out of reach of senior Kelli Gorman. But a diving catch by the All-American kept the SMWC runners from advancing. A lineout by the next batter would result in the last out of the inning, as Central held off the Pomeroy's final attack. 

Cronin earned her 21st win of 2022, tossing a complete game and giving up no earned runs on six hits and three walks. She also struck out six batters. 

Oots, Harcrow, and Gorman all registered hits for Central on the afternoon, including a double for Gorman

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