FAYETTE, Mo. — The WWU Lady Owls took the lead for good by tallying two runs in the top of the fifth inning in the 5-3 nightcap victory to force a split with the No. 21 Lady Eagles in Tuesday night’s regular-season finale.
William Woods University (27-24) had its seven-game winning streak halted in dropping the first game of the non-conference doubleheader by 9-5.
Central Methodist University (34-14) scored a run in the bottom of the first in the second game to go in front. Senior second baseman Shelby LeCuru then came through with a two-run single in the fourth to give the Lady Owls a 2-1 edge.
The Lady Eagles countered with two runs in their half of the fourth to regain the lead, but William Woods answered in the fifth to go in front to stay. Freshman designated player Alli Massey singled home a run with one out to tie the game and freshman shortstop Ari Arnold’s RBI single with two outs put the Lady Owls on top 4-3.
William Woods added its final run on junior first baseman Hillary Hentges’ RBI single in the sixth.
Junior Brailee Schulte went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored as the Lady Owls piled up 13 hits. LeCuru and freshman third baseman Amanda Bouchey were both 2-for-3, while Arnold, Massey and Hentges were each 2-for-4.
Arnold and Hentges both scored a run.
Sophomore starter Allison Waskow (11-11) earned the complete-game victory for William Woods, allowing three runs — two earned — on eight hits. Waskow struck out four and issued four walks.
The Lady Owls owned a 4-2 lead in the opener, but Central Methodist took control by breaking out for six runs in the fourth.
Junior designated Madison McCormick was 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored as William Woods produced 11 hits. Junior center fielder Hannah Campbell also went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while senior left fielder Sydnae Hatton finished 2-for-4, scored twice and stole a base.
Sophomore starter Bre Logan (4-6) lasted just three innings in taking the loss for the Lady Owls. Logan was hammered for seven runs — six earned — on six hits, struck out four and issued four walks.
No. 7 seed William Woods travels to No. 2 Williams Baptist (Arkansas) College for a best-of-three series in the opening round of the American Midwest Conference postseason tournament. The first two games are scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. Friday, with a third game — if necessary — set for 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Lady Owls were swept by Williams Baptist in a March 11 doubleheader in Fulton. William Woods lost the first game 4-2 and the nightcap 6-2.