Four-Run First Leads Warriors to Win at Opening Round

FAYETTE, Mo. — Action got underway in the NAIA Softball Opening Round on Monday as Midland University took on Central Methodist University in the Fayette Bracket. The Warriors got off to a fast start, scoring four runs in the first inning — including a three-run home run by Jayci Reimers — and then held off the Eagles for a 5-4 victory.

After working around a pair of runners in the top of the first inning, Midland's offense got going in the bottom half. Jaidan Wehrle delivered the first hit for the Warriors with a single to center field. MaKenna Watkins then reached on a fielder's choice before Alexis Shepherd singled to right field.

With one out, Isabelle Pagan drove in the game's first run with an RBI single to center, scoring Watkins from second base. That brought Reimers to the plate with two runners on. Facing a 3-1 count, she delivered a three-run home run over the left-center field wall. A Central Methodist outfielder leaped at the fence in an attempt to rob the homer, but the ball had enough carry to clear the 200-foot wall.

Mackenzie Groninga and the Midland defense went back to work, limiting the Eagles to just two hits through the first three innings. In the bottom of the third, Reimers drew a one-out walk before Charlee Wegner entered as a pinch runner. After a flyout for the second out, Wegner stole second to move into scoring position. Maddison Zach followed with a five-pitch walk, and Claire Wisnieski drove in Wegner with a bloop single to right field.

That hit prompted Central Methodist to go to its bullpen after the starter allowed five runs on six hits and three walks. The reliever recorded the final out of the inning to keep the deficit at five.

Trailing 5-0, Central Methodist continued to battle in the fourth inning. The Eagles worked a pair of walks around two strikeouts before another walk loaded the bases. A timely hit into the right-center gap cleared the bases and pulled the Eagles within two runs. Midland escaped further damage with a groundout to shortstop, maintaining a 5-3 lead.

The Eagles' reliever kept her team in the game, retiring the Warriors in order the rest of the way. Central Methodist mounted one final threat in the seventh inning. After a leadoff walk, Midland recorded back-to-back outs before an error extended the inning. With runners on second and third, a single to right field scored one run, but the tying run was held at third. Midland sealed the win with a pop-up to shortstop for the final out.

Groninga was stellar in the circle, throwing a complete game while allowing three earned runs on six hits and seven walks. She struck out eight batters to earn her 26th win of the season.

"CMU is a good team, and we knew they would be tough to beat, especially on their home field," Midland head coach Beth Singleton said. "We were able to get a big start in the first and then withstand their comeback attempt. This bracket is loaded with three teams from last year's World Series, so we know every game will be a challenge. Getting this first win was a great start to the tournament."

Statistical Standouts

• Alexis Shepherd: 1-for-3, R
• Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-3, R, RBI
• Jayci Reimers: 1-for-2, R, 3 RBI, BB, HR
• Claire Wisnieski: 2-for-3, RBI

Midland (43-14) will face top-seeded and No. 1 overall seed Madonna on Tuesday. It will be the first meeting between the Warriors and Crusaders. First pitch is set for noon at the Cox Softball Complex in Fayette.