Bethany, Okla. -- Behind a sparkling complete game shutout by Amber Tinney, the third-seeded Mid-America Christian University Lady Evangels defeated the second-seed Southwestern Christian Lady Eagles 3-0 in the opening game of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Central Regional Tournament Monday afternoon (Apr. 30) at the SCU Softball Fields in Bethany, Okla.

With the victory, the Lady Evangels move into the winner's bracket game tomorrow morning (May 1) against the top-seeded Central Baptist Lady Mustangs at 11 a.m., who knocked off fourth-seeded Crowley's Ridge 5-0 later Monday night. 

Tinney blanked SCU on only four hits and struck out two in her seven innings of work.  She worked out of a bases loaded jam in the first and was nearly flawless from that point. 

Ashlee Dodson, who received NCCAA All-Central Region honors after the game, was 2-of-3 with a double and RBI as the Lady Evangels got on the board with a run in the third and then added a pair of valuable insurance runs in the fifth inning. 

Ashtin Simeroth was also selected to the NCCAA Central Regional squad and was 1-of-3.  Brittany Prandy was also 1-of-3 with an RBI. 

SCU starter Courtney Gaines pitched six innings and allowed three runs with five strikeouts, while also helping herself out at the plate by going 2-of-3.