The third-seeded Central Methodist women’s soccer team avenged an earlier season loss to Benedictine College, defeating the second-seeded Ravens 4-1 in the Heart Tournament Semifinals on Friday night in Atchison, Kansas.

With the win, the Eagles improve their overall record to 16-2-1 and clinch a spot in the Heart Tournament Championship for the seventh consecutive year.

The Lady Eagles faced fifth-seeded MidAmerica Nazarene University at home on Tuesday after the Advertiser went to press for the Heart Tournament title. It was Central’s opportunity to claim a fifth conference tournament championship in the last season.

After a scoreless first half on Friday, Central found the back of the net off the foot of sophomore forward Mariana Barreto in the 57th minute, with the assist coming from Paula Castro, to break the scoring drought. 

Sara Garcia doubled CMU’s lead in the 71st minute off an assist from Kirstine Lykke. Comfortably ahead, Central padded its lead even more as Luisa Schaupp netted back-to-back goals in just three minutes. Both of Schaupp’s goals were assisted by Garcia. 

Benedictine eventually found the back of the net in the 81st minute but could not mount a last-minute comeback, as Central secured a berth into the Heart title match with a 4-1 win. 

CMU’s offense was potent from start to finish, firing off 16 total shots, of which eight were on frame. The Eagles also secured seven corner kicks, leading to valuable set-piece opportunities inside the Benedictine box. 

Madison Priebe tallied two saves against three shots in the win, while Schaupp earned her first career brace with a pair of goals.