Edmond, Okla. – The SAU Softball team opened up the Central Regional today when they faced MIAA Tournament Champions Central Missouri. The Muleriders scraped a run across in the first inning and turned to exceptional defense and Victoria Taylor to hold onto the 1-0 lead.

The Jennies loaded the bases in the first inning but a groundout to shortstop Jaxynn Dyson ensured that no runs scored.

The Muleriders would score the lone run in the bottom of the first inning. Faith Otts would get hit by a pitch and the next batter, Elisa Favela, hit a blooper that fell in between the Jennies' second baseman and outfielder.

Otts, who was running on contact, made it all the way home, avoiding the tag from the Central Missouri catcher in the process.

In a game with no margin of error for either team, the Muleriders relied on their defense to make plays.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Jennies' leadoff hitter reached on a single. The next batter popped up a bunt, and with a pinch runner on first running immediately, allowed Otts at third base to snag the bunt and fire to first to double up the runner.

One inning later, Dyson would use every inch of her 5-6 frame to climb the ladder and rob the Jennies of a leadoff single.

Taylor would pick up her 13^th win of the season, throwing her 24^th career shutout. She only allowed five hits and four walks while striking out five.

The Muleriders advance to face #1 Augustana tomorrow at noon.