March 4, 2008
Methodist Splits in Day Two But Knocks Off #18 Muskingum
Sophomore Crystal Metzger hit 2-for-3 in game two

KISSIMMEE, FL - The Monarchs dropped their first game of the day 5-1 to Aurora, but came back to knock off the 18th ranked team, Muskingum 3-1 in game two. Methodist moves to 7-3 overall this season.

Aurora took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning of game one on three hits and a Methodist error. Cebular knocked in two more runs for Aurora in the second inning to take a 3-0 lead before Methodist got on the board in the fourth inning. Sophomore Megan Hutson walked and freshman Jody Eyler singled to move Hutson to second. Junior Kayla Talbert singled to load the bases before junior Sara Poling hit the sacrifice fly to allow Hutson to tag up and score. Cebular came back and hit a two-run home run in the fifth to give Aurora the 5-1 win.

Methodist struck first against Muskingum when sophomore Crystal Metzger singled. Hutson moved Metzger to second on the sacrifice bunt and freshman Tabatha Stephenson singled to put runners on first and third. Senior Rebekah Kelly hit a fielder's choice for Stephenson to be called out at second, but Metzger was able to score on the play to give the Monarchs a 1-0 lead. Muskingum came back and tied the game in the fifth on an unearned run on two hits. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Eyler walked and freshman Brandi Chandler came in to pinch run. Junior Jennifer Brophy hit a double to score Chandler from first for Methodist to take the 2-1 lead. Poling hit a double over the shortstop's head to drive in Brophy and give Methodist the 3-1 win. Junior Lesley Hewitt picked up the win in the circle for the Monarchs.

Methodist will take the day off on Wednesday before facing Bluffton and #2 Wartburg on Thursday.