Top-seeded Missouri Baptist University softball fell 7-5 to No. 2 Central Methodist in a battle for the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament championship on Sunday, May 3.
The Spartans return as an automatic qualifier in the NAIA Opening Round, with details to be revealed in the Selection Show on Wednesday, May 6, at 5 p.m.
Central Methodist Recap
CMU opened with an RBI triple, but
Kaylie Brake blanked all batters through the next four innings.
Makayla Johnson tied the game 1-1 with a solo home run to center field, and the Spartans quickly gained control in the fourth.
Madison Leckrone replaced
Miranda Ladson on the diamond and claimed an unearned run on a single from
Alohilani Bursey.
Camryn Kessler followed with an RBI single, and the Eagles responded with a pitching change.
With Bursey on third, Kelsie Holtemeyer executed a squeeze play for an RBI single, and
Allison Leigraf added a run after a dropped fly ball by the left fielder.
Central Methodist erupted in the final stretch and scored five RBI on two home runs.
Brooklynn Fischer replaced Brake in the circle, but the Spartans were unable to overcome the deficit and fell 7-5.
Winning pitcher: Kinlei Boley (6-4)
Losing pitcher:
Kaylie Brake (24-5)
Batting leaders:
Makayla Johnson: 4-for-4, 2B, HR, RBI
Alohilani Bursey: 1-for-3, R, RBI
Jacie Dees: 2-for-2, 2B, R
Record:
No. 8 Missouri Baptist University: 40-12, 23-5 Heart
No. 20 Central Methodist University: 38-15, 20-8 Heart
