Center Grove’s softball team (4A No. 4) ran its season-opening win streak to 14 before falling at 3A No. 1 New Palestine 5-4 in a thriller April 26.
The Trojans’ Jordyn Rudd slammed two home runs, drove in three runs and was 4-for-4 against the Dragons (14-2). Tyler LeMasters’ solo homer tied the game at 3. The Trojans trailed 5-4 in the seventh, tried to rally but left a runner stranded on second.
The Trojans picked up eight hits. Nicole Abrams (7-1) pitched 2.2 innings and gave up four earned runs. Abby Herbst closed and allowed only one run.
Center Grove went into the matchup with a No. 21 national ranking by MaxPreps.
The Trojans’ streak included shutouts against rivals Carmel and Franklin Central. They return home for the Johnson County softball tourney May 12 and 13.
(Note: Team won-lost records provided by MaxPreps.)