FAYETTE, Mo. - The Stephens Stars fought hard but could not slow down a potent #7 Central Methodist offense, dropping both games of Sunday's doubleheader at Cox Softball Complex. The Stars fell 1-18 in Game 1 and 1-15 in Game 2.

Stephens (0-5) looked to find momentum early in the opener but struggled to keep the Eagles off the board. Central Methodist (8-3) capitalized on defensive miscues, plating five unearned runs in the first inning. A three-run homer to center field capped the game.

The Stars got on the board in the third when Ivy Smart ripped an RBI single to right center, scoring Elise Kendrick, who had reached on a hard-hit single earlier in the inning.

Kendrick took the circle for Stephens, battling through two tough innings before handing the ball to Jordan Watkins in relief. Despite her efforts, the Eagles continued their offensive surge, tacking on six more runs in the fourth.

The Stars showed fight in Game 2, flashing strong defense despite another explosive outing from Central Methodist.

Emma Angel sparked the Stars' offense with a single in the first, but Stephens was unable to push a run across. The Eagles answered quickly, jumping to a three-run lead after a triple and an RBI double.

Stephens' lone run came in the fourth inning when Kendrick reached on an error and later came around to score after Katie Dennis put the ball in play, forcing another defensive miscue.

The Stars' defense had a highlight-reel moment in the bottom of the second when shortstop Kyndal Vincent made a diving stop deep in the hole, popping up to gun down the runner at first.

Stephens will look to bounce back when they return home to face Briar Cliff University on March 6. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.