The CMU Lady Eagles went up by one run in the bottom of the third on Monday and held onto that one-run lead throughout the rest of the game for the win in the first round of the NAIA championship tournament.

Both teams failed to score throughout the first two innings. St. Mary-Woods was unable to cross the plate in the top of the third as well.

Central drew first and only blood in the bottom of the third when junior Katelyn Kiser was hit by a pitch and then stole second.  Sophomore Kelena Oots drew a walk to put runners on first and second for Madison White.

The sophomore was able to make it to first on a fielder’s choice when the third baseman forced Oots out at second. White’s putting the ball in play allowed Kiser to score, giving Central the 1-0 lead. 

The No.4 seeded Pomeroys sent Summer Rocha to the circle to face the No. 1 seeded Eagles. Rocha pitched a gem giving up only three hits and one run, but as so many opponents have found this season, sometimes your best may not be good enough against Central.

CMU  sent senior Keighlan Cronin to the circle where she allowed only six hits while striking out six in seven innings. Cronin did not allow a run. 

The Lady Eagles could only scratch out three hits on the night. One of those was a double by senior Kelli Gorman. The other two hits were credited to Oots and sophomore Micaela Harcrow, who was also credited with Centrals’ lone RBI.

The win moved Central to 41-5 on the year and 27-1 within the Heart conference.

Central moved on to face Tennessee-Wesleyan on Tuesday after The Advertiser went to press.