Story by Chad Waller, Director of Communications & Sports Information
Pictures courtesy of Rick Dominowski, Click HERE to order

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – (Box Score) Lauren Geringer’s two-RBI single in the top of the eighth was the difference for No. 5 Central Methodist (Mo.) in a 6-5 extra-inning victory over No. 4 Campbellsville (Ky.) in the first day of the 35th Annual NAIA Softball World Series, presented by Security National Bank and Morningside College. The Eagles were one out away from a 4-1 victory, but Campbellsville plated three runs with two outs to send the contest to extras.

Central Methodist heads to a 4 p.m. CDT game Monday against the winner of No. 1 LSU Alexandria (La.) / No. 9 Concordia (Ore.). Campbellsville falls to the elimination bracket to take on No. 8 William Carey (Miss.) Saturday at 10 a.m.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Campbellsville’s first two batters were retired. However, the next batter Brianna Scott drew a seemingly innocent hit-by-pitch prior to a Haley Szpila walk.

With two on base, Kristin Benton sent a grounder to second base that was misplayed by the infielder and one run scored. Trailing 4-2, Kendryl Ahrens singled home two runs and the game went to the eighth inning.

Central Methodist wasted no time to take the lead once again. After a walk, a double and an intentional walk in the top of the eighth, Lauren Geringer slashed a single to left which brought home two runs.

Trailing by a 6-4 count, Campbellsville’s Markie Smith posted her fourth homer of the year to lead off the bottom of the eighth. However, Erin Enke entered in the circle to sit down the next three Tigers batters and preserve the Central Methodist first round win.

Jocie Glaze was credited with the victory for the Eagles and improved to 18-1 on the year. Glaze entered in the bottom of the fifth and went 3.0 innings. She allowed four runs (one earned) on two hits.

Neely Quint, who went 3 1/3 innings in relief for Campbellsville, was hit with the loss.

Alyssa Lilly finished with three singles to lead Central Methodist in hitting. Three other Eagles collected a pair of hits.

Ahrens went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for the Tigers.

Stretch Internet, the NAIA’s official video-streaming company of 17 select NAIA national championship events, will be broadcasting all 19 games of the 2015 NAIA Softball World Series. The All-World Series package can be purchased for $20. For more information, including how to register for an account, click here.

The double-elimination event is being played out at the Elizabeth & Irving Jensen Softball Complex. The City of Sioux City and Morningside College serve as official hosts for the first time. For more information on the 2015 NAIA Softball World Series, click here.