DES MOINES, IOWA – Grand View returned home looking to build momentum, but a tough doubleheader against the Eagles of Central Methodist University proved to be a battle from start to finish. Despite strong offensive moments and competitive efforts in both games, the Vikings came up just short in the opener before falling in the nightcap.
CENTRAL METHODIST 5, GRAND VIEW 4
The Eagles struck first in the second inning, using a two-run home run to take an early lead. Central Methodist added to its advantage in the third with a two-RBI double, extending the margin to 4-0 and putting pressure on the Vikings early.
Grand View answered in the bottom half of the third. Grace Anderson sparked the offense, coming around to score on an RBI single from Caedence Risius to cut into the deficit.
Central Methodist responded with a solo home run in the fourth to push the lead to 5-1, but the Vikings refused to back down. In the bottom of the inning, Chloe Kottlowski delivered an RBI single to bring home Ceara Swanson. Moments later, Anderson came through again with an RBI single, scoring Kottlowski and trimming the deficit to 5-3.
From there, both pitching staffs settled in. Madeline Waldorf battled through four innings in the circle, striking out 10 while allowing five runs. Molly Breeding provided a strong relief effort, holding the Eagles scoreless over the final three innings and giving Grand View a chance late.
The Vikings made things interesting in the seventh when Risius launched a solo home run, cutting the lead to 5-4. Grand View threatened with its 11th hit of the game but ultimately left the tying run just out of reach.
Grand View totaled 11 hits in the contest, led by Risius and Anderson with two hits apiece. Risius drove in two runs, while Kottlowski and Anderson each added RBIs in the comeback effort.
CENTRAL METHODIST 8, GRAND VIEW 2
Grand View wasted no time getting on the board in game two. In the first inning, Caedence Risius delivered a two-run home run to give the Vikings an early 2-0 advantage, scoring Grace Anderson.
The Eagles answered in the third, capitalizing on timely hitting to tie the game at 2-2. Central Methodist then broke things open in the fourth inning, plating four runs on a combination of hits and aggressive baserunning to take control.
From there, the Eagles' pitching kept the Vikings in check. Grand View was limited to seven hits and was unable to push across another run for the remainder of the game.
Central Methodist added two more runs in the seventh, including a two-run home run, to seal the 8-2 victory.
Claire Leinen took the loss in the circle after a tough start, while the Vikings used multiple arms in relief to finish the game. Breeding again provided solid innings out of the bullpen, holding the Eagles scoreless during her appearance.
Offensively, Anderson recorded two hits to lead the Vikings, while Risius accounted for both runs with her first-inning home run. Gabriella Taber also added a pair of hits in the effort.
GAME NOTES
• Caedence Risius combined for two home runs and four RBIs across the doubleheader.
• Grace Anderson tallied four hits on the day and scored twice.
• Madeline Waldorf struck out 10 in game one despite taking the loss.
• Molly Breeding tossed 5.1 innings of scoreless relief across both games.
• Grand View out-hit Central Methodist 11-5 in game one.