Softball Plays Doubleheader at No. 9 Central Methodist

Fayette, Mo., (April 2, 2025)- The Missouri Valley College softball team traveled to Fayette, Mo., for a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader against No. 9 Central Methodist (Mo.), Wednesday afternoon.  Playing as the home team, the Vikings fell in both games.

Game one started with Sophomore Pitcher Chloe Shuff (Cypress, Calif.) working out of a jam in the top of the first inning, stranding two baserunners after a strikeout and a pop-out.  Missouri Valley threatened in the bottom half of the first, as Junior First Baseman Olivia Bettencourt (Murrieta, Calif.) reached on a fielder's choice, followed by a single from Senior Designated Player Brittney Slocum (Clovis, Calif.).  However, the two were left stranded, as the game stayed scoreless.  Shuff worked around another single in the top of the second inning, but Central Methodist put together a rally in the top of the third.  The Eagles used five hits to score three runs and move in front, 3-0.  The deficit grew for MVC over the next two innings, as Central Methodist added four runs in the fourth and one more run in the fifth.  The Vikings were unable to put anyone on-base in the final two at-bats, and fell, 8-0.

Freshman Second Baseman Allison Loucas (Twin Lakes, Wisc.) and Slocum each had one hit.  Junior Pitcher Kyleigh Villarreal (Fenton, Mo.) struck out two batters in relief on the mound.

The second game began with Freshman Pitcher Keira Carvalho working around a leadoff single in the top of the first inning, then a one-out double in the top of the second to strand the two baserunners and keep Central Methodist scoreless.  Missouri Valley put together a rally from the plate in the bottom of the second inning, as Slocum, Junior Catcher Makayla Casjens (Galt, Calif.) and Junior Leftfielder Taya Brickner (Fort Collins, Colo.) all reached safely to lead the bases.  A grounder from Junior Shortstop Aniah Castruita (South El Monte, Calif.) drove home Slocum for the game's opening run.  Later in the inning, Villarreal singled to bring home Casjens and a grounder from Senior Rightfielder Audrey Short (St. Joseph, Ill.) scored Brickner to give MVC a 3-0 advantage.  The Eagles responded in the top of the third, using three hits to bring home three runs and tie the contest at 3-3.  Central Methodist went in front in the top of the fourth inning, scoring one run, then added another run in the top of the fifth to make it a 5-3 score.  The bottom of the fifth opened on a single from Loucas, but MVC was unable to rally back into the game.  Central Methodist put together a long at-bat in the top of the sixth, scoring eight runs on seven hits and one Viking error.  Missouri Valley was unable to produce from the plate in the bottom of the sixth, and fell, 13-3.

Slocum and Brickner finished with one hit and one run score apiece.  Villarreal had one hit and one RBI.  

Missouri Valley drops to 7-27 overall and 0-10 in the Heart.  Central Methodist improves to 25-5 on the season and 9-1 in the conference.

Up next, the Viking softball team will travel to Lamoni, Iowa for a Heart doubleheader against Graceland (Iowa), Saturday at 2 p.m.

Game 1 Box Score-Click Here

Game 2 Box Score-Click Here

About Missouri Valley College

Standing out as one of the most innovative and student-focused liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Missouri Valley College (MVC) is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through the Viking Voyage program, MVC prioritizes career readiness from day one, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel after graduation. Each of MVC's 30+ in-demand majors—including nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, criminal justice, and exercise science—integrates personal instruction, experiential learning, and professional opportunities to prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally connected world. At Missouri Valley College, higher education is more than earning a degree—it's a transformative journey that begins with the end.