The Park University softball program had a great day at the Park Softball Complex against No. 8 Central Methodist University, falling in game one 5-3 but defeating the Eagles in game two 8-7.

Park went to 10-8 on the year, while the Eagles moved to 12-7.

The Eagles got off to a 3-0 start against Hanna Vaught in the opening game. Faith Tessman got Park back in it with a game-tying, three-run home run in the 5th. A double and two singles got the Eagles two more runs though in the 7th, as they won 5-3.

Game two was bleak with a 7-0 start for Central Methodist through three innings, but the Pirates fired back with a five-run third inning, all with two outs. It started with Bella Rollo with a two-out single, then Tessman and Ramsey followed suit. A dropped fly ball would have ended the inning with only one run scoring, but instead Harley Gaudet scored to make it 7-2. It was a costly mistake, as Chloe Gilbert blasted a three-run home run the next batter, 7-5.

It was a must needed zero thrown up on the board by relief pitcher, Rori Hornung. This setup the Pirates for a three-run fourth inning to take the lead, 8-7. Park was led off by Emma James, who singled and then Jordan Crooks sent a double to right center. With a new pitcher in the game, the Pirates were able to continue to apply pressure with a walk by Bentz, an RBI single by Rollo, a walk by Tessman, and then a fielding error that scored the go ahead run.

Hornung pitched two more scoreless innings and Brielle Dee induced a double-play to end the game for the save.

This is the first win against Central Methodist since 2017, before Park was in the Heart. This snapped a 0-15 record against the Eagles within the Heart since 2021. It also was Park's first ranked win of the season.