The Vikings were technically the home team, but Central Methodist reminded Missouri Valley softball whose home it is as the ninth-ranked Eagles posted a doubleheader sweep in Fayette on Wednesday, April 2.

The conference games had been moved from Marshall following Wednesday morning’s storms to CMU’s field, with the Vikings remaining the home team. The Eagles needed five innings to post an 8-0 victory, as Maddie Holly, Lauren Hill and Rachel Brandt had the three RBI singles to open the scoring. CMU added four runs in the fourth, three of them off a double by Hill. Haley Cotter had the shutout for the Eagles, giving up hits to Allison Loucas and Brittney Slocum while posting four strikeouts. Chloe Shuff took the loss for Valley, allowing seven runs on ten hits and two walks while claiming one strikeout.

The second game saw Missouri Valley strike first, as the Vikings loaded the bases in the second. Aniah Castruita connected on a single to score the first run, followed by an RBI single from Kyleigh Villarea and grounder from Audrey Short. However, the lead was short-lived, as CMU’s Joely Crider doubled in a score, followed by a two-run home run from Madison Roberts. Lauren Hill added a solo home run in the next inning to put the Eagles in front. The Eagles tacked on another run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly, then exploded for eight runs in the sixth to invoke the mercy rule after starter Veronica Dearth pitched a scoreless sixth to claim the win.

Dearth went the distance, allowing Valley’s three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out three. Villarea was assessed the loss after allowing seven runs (six earned), six hits and one walk while striking out one in relief.

The Vikings remain winless in conference play, with an overall record of 7-27, and will travel to Graceland for a doubleheader Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, Central Methodist are 25-5 on the season, with a 9-1 mark in the Heart. The Eagles will visit Culver-Stockon Saturday afternoon.