Parkville, Mo. – The No. 8 Central Methodist softball team opened conference play with a split against Park University Saturday in Parkville, Mo.

The Eagles won the opener 5–3 before dropping the second game 8–7.

With the split, Central moves to 12–7 overall and 1–1 in conference play following the twin bill.

Game 1: No. 8 Central Methodist 5 - Park 3

Central used a late rally and solid pitching to claim the conference opener.

The Eagles struck first in the second inning when Brianna Craig launched a solo home run to center field, giving CMU a 1–0 lead.

Central extended the advantage in the fourth. With two outs, Kaysie Jolley delivered a two-run single to center field to plate both Craig and Maddie Holly, pushing the lead to 3–0.

Park answered in the fifth inning when on a three-run home run to center.

The Eagles regained the lead in the seventh. Makayla Albert scored on an RBI single from Elizabeth Palumbo down the right-field line before Holly added an insurance run with an RBI single up the middle to make it 5–3.

Palumbo led the Eagles at the plate, going three-for-four with an RBI. Holly finished two-for-four with an RBI and a run scored, while Jolley drove in two runs.

In the circle, Haley Cotter worked five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. Karlie Barnum picked up the win in relief, tossing two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit.

Game 2: Park 8 - No. 8 Central Methodist 7

CMU jumped out to a big lead early, but couldn't hold off a Park comeback in the nightcap.

The Eagles opened the scoring in the first inning when Madison Roberts homered to left center.

Central then erupted for four runs in the second. Joely Crider delivered a two-run double before Holly followed with a two-run single to extend the lead to 5–0.

The Eagles added two more in the third on an RBI single from Roberts and an RBI double by Palumbo, stretching the advantage to 7–0.

Park responded with a five-run third inning, highlighted by a three-run home run to cut the deficit to 7–5.

The Pirates completed the comeback in the fourth inning. Park singled home a run before tying the game on a bases-loaded walk. The eventual winning run scored on an error.

CMU finished with 14 hits in the game. Jolley went three-for-four, while Roberts and Craig each added two hits. Roberts also drove in two runs and scored twice.

Kinlei Boley took the start for CMU, allowing seven runs (three earned) in three innings. Emma Ray pitched the final three innings in relief.

Up Next:

Central Methodist returns to action Saturday as the Eagles continue conference play on the road against Benedictine in Atchison, Kansas.

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