Fayette, Mo. - No. 3 seeded CMU mounted a late comeback effort but ultimately fell just short in a 5-4 decision to No. 2 Midland Monday afternoon in their first game of the NAIA Opening Round at Reardon Family Field.

The Warriors improve to 43-14 overall with the victory, while Central Methodist is now 38-16 on the season.

Midland struck early in the opening inning, plating four runs on three hits. After an RBI single opened the scoring, Midland's lineup delivered a three-run home run to center field to give the Warriors a 4-0 advantage.

Midland added another run in the third inning on an RBI single to extend the lead to 5-0.

Central answered in the bottom of the fourth inning with a rally sparked by patience at the plate and timely hitting. Joely Crider, Brianna Craig and Kyla Crawford all came around to score when Kaysie Jolley ripped a bases-clearing triple to center field, trimming the deficit to 5-3.

The Eagles continued to battle in the seventh inning. Rebecca Townsend scored on an RBI single from Rachel Brandt to pull CMU within one, and the tying run advanced into scoring position. Midland pitcher Mackenzie Groninga, however, recorded the final out to secure the win for the Warriors.

Jolley led the Eagles offensively with three RBI, while Brandt added an RBI single in the seventh. Elizabeth Palumbo collected a pair of hits, and Craig doubled and scored a run. CMU drew seven walks in the contest.

In the circle, Haley Cotter pitched 2.2 innings and tallied four strikeouts. Kinlei Boley provided strong relief work, holding Midland hitless over the final 3.1 innings while striking out three.

Midland improves to 43-14 overall with the victory, while Central Methodist is now 38-16 on the season.

Central will now face No. 4 seed Indiana University Southeast in an elimination game Tuesday, May 12 at 2:30 p.m. at Reardon Family Field.

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