Belhaven Advances to NCAA Division III Finals with Super Regional Win
JACKSON, Miss. — Belhaven softball earned a trip to the NCAA Division III Finals after sweeping Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the Jackson Super Regional. The Blazers defeated the Titans 10-2 Friday at Jim McLeod Field, completing a two-game series victory and earning their second NCAA Division III Finals appearance in three years, according to school officials.
Belhaven, seeded seventh in the tournament, will face No. 2 seed and defending national champion Trine in Salem, Virginia. The teams previously met in the NFCA Leadoff Classic on March 7, with Trine winning 6-4. The Blazers previously reached the NCAA Finals in 2024, falling to East Texas Baptist in the championship series, according to school records.
The series was dominated by Belhaven, which outscored UW-Oshkosh 15-3 and hit .339 as a team with 20 hits across two games. Macy Funderburk pitched effectively in both games, allowing just two runs over 5.1 innings on Friday and earning Jackson Super Regional Most Outstanding Pitcher honors. The junior finished the series 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA, allowing 10 hits in 12.1 innings.
Liberty Gillihan led the offensive charge, going 3-for-4 with a triple, double, and three RBIs. She was named the Super Regional Most Outstanding Player. Gillihan had a standout weekend, batting .429 with four RBIs and three runs scored in the series.
Belhaven took control early Friday. Melissa Lopera opened the second inning with a single, and Gillihan followed with an RBI triple. Maddie Bruner’s sacrifice fly and Lauren Dunbar’s single extended the lead to 4-0. The Blazers added to their lead in the fifth with key hits, including a two-run double from Gillihan and an RBI single from Grace Langston.
The Titans responded in the sixth with a two-run homer but Belhaven answered immediately in the seventh. Maryanna Guy’s three-run home run sealed the victory, capping a 12-hit performance. Rouse finished the game, retiring the final two batters despite a leadoff error.
Belhaven has now won nine NCAA Tournament games over the past two seasons, capturing both regional and super regional titles on their home field. The team will now prepare for the national tournament in Salem. Fans can follow updates on social media and support the team through the school’s athletic fundraising efforts.
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