Second-seeded Central Methodist won its first game of the national softball tournament 4-1 over British Columbia, the third seed, Monday afternoon at Cox Softball Complex.

Central is one of 10 teams hosting opening-round games.

The win improves Central’s overall record to 39-9, and the Eagles remain in the winner’s bracket. British Columbia drops to 26-19 and moves to the loser’s bracket.

The Eagles jumped out in front with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Joely Crider began the inning with a leadoff walk. A double from Elizabeth Palumbo to left center put two runners in scoring position with no outs. Junior Madison Roberts drove in both runners with a two-RBI double to left center, giving CMU a 2-0 lead.

The Thunderbirds cut the deficit in half in the third inning on an error by the CMU defense. Keona Nordquist led off with a single to center field. Later, with one out, Shae Sever singled, advanced to second on a center field error by CMU, which allowed Nordquist to score the unearned run.

Central answered in the fifth inning. Crider led off with a single to left. Back-to-back walks then loaded the bases for Maddie Holly, who didn’t disappoint. She drove in pinch runner Kayla Richardson from third on a single to left to give Central a two-run lead.

Central put the finishing touches on the game in the bottom of the sixth, scoring a run on three hits, all with two outs. Crider got things going with a single to left. A single down the left field line by Elizabeth Palumbo put runners at the corners. Roberts then delivered with an RBI-single to center to put Central ahead by three runs.

Junior right-hander Haley Cotter pitched a complete game from the circle to earn her 17th win of the year. She surrendered one unearned run on five hits and a walk with two strikeouts.

Palumbo finished the day batting a perfect 3-for-3, including a pair of doubles. Roberts laid down two hits in three at-bats, which included a game-high three RBI. The Eagles finished with nine total hits on the day. Roberts and Lauren Hill also doubled.

Central was scheduled to face top-seeded LSU Alexandria at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays after the Advertiser had gone to press. The winner of that game will head to the Opening Round Championship at 2:30 p.m. today (Wednesday).