It took two wins on Sunday against Mount Mercy to finish, but the Central Methodist Lady Eagles are the undisputed champions of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

With the second win on Sunday, Central laid claim to both the regular-season and tournament championships, something that had not been done since 2014.

In the first game, Central took a 2-0 lead during the top half of the third inning when freshman Daly Garland led off with a single. Following two strikeouts, sophomore Kelena Oots tripled to left, scoring Garland. When the left fielder could not handle the fielding chance, Oots scored on the error. Central added another run in the top of the fifth to take a 3-0 lead when junior Katelyn Kiser launched a home run to left.  Mount Mercy scratched out a run in the bottom of the seventh but it was too little, too late as the Eagles held on to win 3-1.

Senior Keighlan Cronin went the distance for Central, striking out four and allowing only one run on six hits.

Sophomore Micaela Harcrow doubled to go along with Oots’ triple and Kiser’s home run  Senior Kelli Gorman and Garland each singled.

Central’s defense was flawless with no errors in the game.

That win put Central in position to put the championship away during the nightcap of the twin bill, against Mount Mercy once again. The second game would be a tight one. Central took the lead in the bottom of the second when freshman Mikayla Pennell singled up the middle to lead off the inning. Ever alert on the base paths, Pennell then advanced to second on a passed ball before moving to third when senior Madison Love grounded out to second. Daly Garland walked giving Central runners at first and third with one out. The next batter, junior Kaylee Parker, grounded out to short. Garland advanced to second, but Pennell was unable to score, giving CMU runners at second and third.

Kiser then was able to reach first on a fielder’s choice when the shortstop opted to try for the out at third, allowing Pennell to score when that attempt was unsuccessful, giving Central the 1-0 lead.

The bottom of the fifth started off with Kaylee Parker driving a single to right. Coach Pat Reardon opted to have junior Chloe Clarke pinch-run for Parker. That move immediately paid off as Clarke was able to advance to second on a wild pitch. Kiser then proceeded to single up the middle driving in Clarke to give CMU a 2-0 lead. 

Again, Mount Mercy was able to add a late run but it would not be enough to overcome the Eagles as Central held on for the 2-1 win and the championship.

Freshman Mykala Johnson stepped into the circle to start the game for Central before giving way to Cronin with two outs in the top of the sixth. Johnson earned her 16th win with seven strikeouts. Cronin notched her third save.

CMU earned the win with only six hits. One of those was a double by senior Madison Love, the rest were singles by sophomore Madison White, Harcrow, Pennell, Parker, and Kiser.

The Eagles improved their overall record to 40-5 and now await the NAIA’s announcement to see where they will play in the Opening Round of the 2022 NAIA Softball National Championship. That announcement was made on Tuesday at 4 p.m. after The Advertiser went to press.