Lady Lions unable to surmount big inning

May 16, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. — 30 minutes after winning their first game of the day, the No. 1 seed Central Methodist (Mo.) University Eagles unleashed a six-run second inning to punch their ticket to the regional final with a 9-1 victory over the hosting No. 3 Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions in six innings.

The Eagles (40-10) showed their talons early after a leadoff single turned into a triple after a throwing error allowed Kelena Oots to speed to third. FHU's Brittany Adair buckled down with a strikeout before a pair of lineouts ended the threat.

FHU (26-14) was not as fortunate in the second inning after Madison Roberts led off the frame with a single, followed by Montana Stangel being hit by a pitch. A walk issued to Kaysie Jolley loaded up the bases with no outs. Katelyn Kiser would then be the first of five consecutive batters to drive in a run, lifting a single just over the glove of FHU's Myleah Hardy to drive in the first run. Oots would then drive in a run with a walk to take a 2-0 lead before Joley Crider's RBI single was followed by a two-run double off of the bat of Madison White. Elizabeth was responsible for tallying the final run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to put Central Methodist on top 6-0.

The Lady Lions would add a run of their own in the top of the fifth inning after Karli Quilin drew a two-out walk before streaking around the bases to tap home thanks to Sophie Dunavant's RBI single. A single in the bottom of the fifth inning from Jolley answered back to give CMU a 7-1 lead.

A pair of doubles in the bottom of the sixth ended the game after Crider brought home the Eagles' eighth run before White's two-bagger enforced the run rule.

Haley Cotter (6-0) went the distance in the circle for Central Methodist, striking out six Lady Lions while allowing one run.

Brittany Adair (12-8) picked up the loss after giving up five runs in 1 1/3 innings.

The top of the order was deadly for CMU with Joley Crider, Kelena Oots, and Madison White each collecting a pair of hits. White drove in three of the Eagles' nine runs.

For FHU, Sophie Dunavant connected for two hits including driving in the lone run.