FAYETTE, MISSOURI – Grand View Softball put together a solid effort on Sunday afternoon but came up short against No. 9 Central Methodist University, dropping both ends of the road doubleheader. Despite out-hitting the Eagles across the two games, the Vikings couldn't find the breakthrough they needed in a pair of close losses, falling 4-2 and 3-1.
GAME 1 | CENTRAL METHODIST 4, GRAND VIEW 2
The Vikings came out swinging in Game 1, getting on the board in the top of the first.
Olivia Harmon led off with a triple to right-center, and
Samantha Holbert followed with a two-out RBI single to give Grand View an early 1-0 lead.
Central Methodist answered with a run in the second and exploded for three more in the third, highlighted by a three-run home run. Still, Grand View continued to battle, responding in the fourth with a trio of hits—including an RBI single from
Kylie Merical—to trim the deficit to 4-2.
Down by two in the final frame, the Vikings looked to mount one last push. With
Nevaeh Randall at the plate, two outs, and two runners on, an electrifying go-ahead three-run homer sent the Grand View dugout into celebration—until confusion set in. Following an appeal, the officials ruled a missed base by a baserunner, resulting in the runs being taken off the board and sealing a heartbreaking end to Game 1.
Madeline Waldorf took the loss, allowing six hits and four earned runs over three innings.
Addison Halstead was solid in relief, retiring all nine batters she faced over the final three innings.
GAME 2 | CENTRAL METHODIST 3, GRAND VIEW 1
Game 2 followed a similar script: strong pitching, close margins, and late-inning swings that favored the home team.
Grand View tied the game at 1-1 in the sixth inning.
Samantha Holbert was hit by a pitch and moved into scoring position on a single from
Gabriella Taber. After a walk from
Mackenzie Meister loaded the bases, Merical delivered again, driving in the tying run. But the momentum was short-lived, as CMU responded with two runs in the bottom half to take back the lead.
The Vikings were unable to mount a final comeback, falling 3-1 in the nightcap. Taber continued her steady day at the plate with a pair of hits, while Cloe Kottlowski and Merical also reached base twice.
Madi Huisman threw 5.1 innings in the loss, allowing three runs on eight hits. Halstead once again stepped in to get the final two outs and limit further damage.
GAME NOTES
- Grand View out-hit CMU 16-15 across both games.
- The Vikings showed resilience throughout the day, answering back in high-pressure moments.
- Gabriella Taber had a consistent day at the plate, going 3-for-6 with hits in both games.
- Kylie Merical led the team with 2 RBIs on the day.
UP NEXT
Grand View will return home on Wednesday, April 16
th, to host a pair against Northwestern University at 2:00 and 4:00 PM.
