Fayette, Mo. – The Columbia College softball team fell to top seeded and No. 8 ranked Central Methodist University this afternoon by a score of 6-3 in the first game of the 2015 NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round. The Cougars, the No. 4 seed in the bracket, drop to 29-17 on the season with the loss.

Central Methodist struck early as they scored three runs in the top of the first inning thanks to an RBI single, a Columbia error, and a walk with bases loaded.

The Cougars were able to battle their way back in the top of the fifth as they plated three runs on three hits. Junior Kaylee Brueggeman got the scoring started for the Cougars as she smacked a two run double to deep left-center. American Midwest Conference (AMC) Player of the Year Carly Spalding followed with a single to score Brueggeman to tie the game at three.

The Eagles, however, regained the lead in the top of the sixth as Lauren Geringer hit a sacrifice fly to left field for a 4-3 advantage.

In the bottom of the sixth, Allyson Metz reached base on a wild throw and was sacrificed over by Taylor Atwood. Metz then moved to third on a ground out and Julianna Waldner drew a walk to put runners on the corners to give the Cougars an opportunity to score. However, reliever Jocie Glaze prevented Columbia from scoring as she caused a popup for out number three.

The Eagles added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh as Michele Rupard hit a two-run single to left field to give CMU a 6-3 lead. The Cougars were unable to mount any sort of comeback in the bottom of the frame as the Eagles pulled away with the win.

Paxton Welch (15-8) suffered the loss in the circle after allowing four runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts in 5-2/3 innings of work. Amber Boehme pitched the next 2/3 innings, giving up two runs to go along with two walks. Lauren McCroskie came in to close the seventh inning for the Cougars, allowing two hits and striking out one batter in her 2/3 innings of work.

Spalding went 2-for-4 to lead the offense including two singles and one RBI. Breuggeman, Hardy, and Samantha Davis each had one hit apiece.

The Cougars will continue play tomorrow with an elimination game at 2:30 p.m. against Cardinal Stritch (Wis.). CMU will face Bellevue (Neb.) in the next round tomorrow at noon. There will also be an elimination game at 5:00 p.m. between the loser of the noon game and the winner of the 2:30 p.m. contest. All games will be held at Cox Softball Complex in Fayette. For the complete tournament bracket and latest results, visit this link.