Late Rally Falls Short for Softball Against Eighth-Ranked Eagles

BRANSON, Mo. — Doane Softball mounted a seventh-inning rally, but an early deficit proved too much to overcome in a 6-3 loss to No. 8 Central Methodist (Mo.) on Saturday afternoon at the Branson Parks & Rec-Plex Facility.

The nationally ranked Eagles (3-0) struck first with an unearned run in the opening inning following a Tiger error. Central Methodist added single runs in the third and then broke the game open with a two-run fifth and two more in the sixth to build a 6-0 advantage.

Doane (3-1) was held scoreless through six innings despite seven hits on the afternoon. Katelyn Hays doubled in the fifth and Milannie Gonzalez recorded two hits, while Lilly Lewis turned in a perfect 2-for-2 effort at the plate.

The Tigers finally broke through in the bottom of the seventh. Jaiden Papik was hit by a pitch to start the frame and later scored on an RBI single from Lewis to make it 6-1. After Jacqueline Ordonez doubled to left and advanced Lewis to third, Gonzalez drove in a run with a groundout. Doane added one more when Hudson reached on an error, allowing Ordonez to cross the plate and trim the deficit to 6-3 before the rally was halted.

Lewis finished 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored, while Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Hays added a double as part of Doane's seven-hit attack.

In the circle, Natalie Ascencio took the loss, working five innings and allowing four runs (three earned) while scattering five hits. Faith McDonald tossed the final two innings in relief.

Central Methodist tallied 10 hits and drew six walks in the contest, with Kinlei Boley driving in three runs to pace the Eagles.

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