CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. – Grand View returned to the field Saturday afternoon for its second game of the Heart of America Conference Tournament, squaring off against No. 2 seeded Central Methodist University. In a tightly contested pitcher's duel, the Vikings were unable to find timely offense, falling 2-0 to the Eagles.
CENTRAL METHODIST 2, GRAND VIEW 0
The Eagles wasted little time getting on the board, manufacturing a run in the opening inning. After putting runners in motion, Central Methodist capitalized on a fielder's choice to bring home the game's first run and take an early 1-0 lead.
Despite the early deficit,
Madeline Waldorf settled in nicely in the circle. The right-hander kept the Eagles off balance throughout the middle innings, working efficiently and limiting hard contact to keep the Vikings within striking distance.
Grand View threatened in scattered moments but couldn't string together enough offense against Central Methodist's Haley Cotter. The Vikings managed three hits on the afternoon, with
Elle Nelsen,
Grace Anderson, and
Alexia Jarrett each recording one, but were unable to push a run across.
The Eagles added an insurance run in the sixth inning. A leadoff baserunner came around to score on a double to left center, extending the lead to 2-0 and putting additional pressure on the Viking offense heading into the final frame.
Grand View looked to respond late, but Cotter continued to induce contact and keep runners off the bases. The Vikings were unable to mount a rally in the seventh, as Central Methodist secured the shutout victory.
Waldorf was strong in the loss, tossing 5.1 innings while allowing just four hits and two earned runs, striking out six.
Molly Breeding came in to close out the sixth inning and added a strikeout in her appearance.
Defensively, the Vikings turned a key double play behind
Nevaeh Randall and
Alexia Jarrett, helping limit further damage in a game defined by small margins.
In a matchup where runs were at a premium, it was the Eagles who capitalized on their opportunities, while the Vikings were left searching for the timely hit.
GAME NOTES
•
Madeline Waldorf (5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 6 K) took the loss.
•
Molly Breeding recorded a strikeout in relief.
•
Elle Nelsen,
Grace Anderson, and
Alexia Jarrett accounted for Grand View's three hits.
•
Reese Cooley added a stolen base.
•
Nevaeh Randall and
Alexia Jarrett combined for a double play defensively.
UP NEXT
Grand View will continue play in the elimination bracket at the Heart of America Conference Tournament. The Vikings look to bounce back in their next matchup tonight at 7:30 PM against the No. 8 seeded Baker Wildcats.
