(3) CMU takes two from (22) Softball to win 2024 Heart Softball Tournament Championship

CEDAR RAPIDS. Iowa – Top seeded, and No. 3-ranked, Central Methodist University took two games over No. 3 seeded, and No. 22 ranked, Benedictine Softball on Sunday to secure their third straight Heart Softball Tournament Championship.

Saturday, the Ravens handed the Eagles their first loss to a Heart opponent snapping CMU's 28-game winning streak. Sunday was a different story as the Eagles earned a 7-0 win over the Ravens to force the if necessary game of the tournament, which they won 10-5.

With the two teams squaring off on Sunday and the Eagles already holding an automatic berth from the Heart as the regular season champions, the Ravens have punched their ticket to the 2024 NAIA Softball National Tournament later this month.

In Sunday's first game, the Ravens couldn't break through against Eagles pitcher Haile Farris. Farris went the distance, earning a complete game win while no-hitting the Ravens.

In the if-necessary game, the Eagles led 2-0 until the third inning. Kassidy James got the scoring started, driving in Megan Forsman with an RBI single. Ryan Cooper tied the game, scoring on a fielder's choice off the bat of Abby Pressgrove.

Benedictine took the lead in the fourth inning with a 2-run home run from Rhiannon Martin and held that lead until the Eagles bounced back with a 6-run fifth inning.

Kera Willoughby scored Chloe Strickland on an RBI single in the sixth but couldn't scratch home any more runs.

Benedictine now turns their attention to the NAIA Softball Championship Selection Show at 4 p.m. Tuesday where they will learn where they will travel for the Opening Round on May 13-16.

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