Central Methodist star pitcher Jordyn Ball led her eighth-ranked Lady Eagles to a 3-2 win over Texas A&M Texarkana on Friday to open the softball season at Louisiana Christian University in Alexandira, La.

After dominating with 19 wins and three losses in 24 starts last season, she picked up where she left off on Friday, finishing a complete game with six scoreless innings and 12 strikeouts. She allowed just two runs on two hits.

Trailing 2-0 after one inning, CMU tied the game in the top of the fifth on a two-RBI double from Madison Roberts through the left side to score both Elizabeth Palumbo and Kelena Oots.

In the top of the seventh, Joely Crider singled to left to score Palumbo from second for the go-ahead run.

Central lost the second game of the day 4-3 to No. 7 Our Lady of the Lake.

CMU took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth when Crider blasted a two-run home run.

Afater OLLU tied the game in the bottom of the inning, Central added another run in the top of the fifth when a single from Palumbo, followed by an error by the Saints’ first basemen, allowed Kelena Oots to score from second.

But, OLLU scored once more in the bottom of the seventh to win 4-3. 

Games the following day were cancelled, sending Central home even at 1-1 overall. The Lady Eagles open their home campaign with a doubleheader against Bellevue (Neb.) on Sunday at noon and 2 p.m.