Fayette, Mo. / Lamoni, Iowa - The Central Methodist softball program closed out the regular season with a 3-1 showing across a pair of doubleheaders, taking one of two from Baker on Friday before sweeping Graceland on Saturday.
Friday, the Eagles celebrated their second set of seniors as part of two senior day ceremonies that took place over the month of April.
Game 1: CMU 5 – Baker 2
The Eagles opened the weekend Friday at Reardon Family Field by rallying past Baker in game one, 5-2. After falling behind 2-0 through three innings, Central erupted for five runs in the fifth to secure the comeback victory. Maddie Holly got the scoring started with an RBI single, before Madison Roberts delivered the big blow with a two-run double to put the Eagles in front. Kinlei Boley and Rachel Brandt followed with RBI singles to cap the inning.
CMU finished with 12 hits in the contest, led by Elizabeth Palumbo's three-for-four performance and a two-double, two-RBI outing from Roberts. Karlie Barnum went the distance in the circle, allowing two runs on eight hits while improving to 16-3 on the season.
Game 2: Baker 2 – CMU 0
In game two, Baker evened the series with a 2-0 win. The Eagles were limited to four hits despite drawing three walks, as they were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Brianna Craig led CMU with a pair of hits, while Haley Cotter turned in a solid complete-game effort, allowing just one earned run on five hits.
Game 1: CMU 10 – Graceland 0
Central Methodist bounced back in dominant fashion Saturday in Lamoni, sweeping Graceland in convincing style.
The Eagles wasted no time in game one, plating seven runs in the opening inning en route to a 10-0 run-rule victory. Joely Crider highlighted the explosive start with a two-RBI single, while Madison Roberts and Emma King also drove in runs during the frame. Holly added a two-RBI single in the third to extend the lead.
CMU racked up 14 hits in the win, with Crider (three-for-three, two RBI) and Roberts (three-for-three, two RBI) leading the charge. Barnum was dominant once again, tossing a two-hit shutout with three strikeouts.
Game 2: CMU 6 – Graceland 0
In the regular season finale, Central completed the sweep with a 6-0 victory. The Eagles broke through in the third inning on an RBI single from Palumbo before adding four runs in the fifth behind extra-base hits from Palumbo, King, and Roberts.
Palumbo finished with three RBI, while Roberts added two RBI and two hits. The Eagles totaled 13 hits in the contest. Cotter capped the weekend with a complete-game shutout, scattering eight hits and striking out four.
Up Next:
CMU closes the regular season at 33-15 overall and 19-8 in conference play. Central has earned the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Heart of America Conference Tournament.
The Eagles will begin postseason play against No. 7 seeded Mount Mercy Thursday, April 30th at 5:00 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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