SALEM, Va. — Belhaven’s softball team secured its spot in the NCAA Division III semifinals after defeating Rowan 4-2 Saturday at the Moyer Complex. The victory marks the Blazers’ second consecutive elimination-game win in the tournament.
The No. 7 seed Blazers jumped ahead early, scoring four runs in the first inning. Grace Langston led off with a single, and Maryanna Guy followed with a base hit. Ellie Williamson struck out before Kaleigh Steverson delivered an RBI single. Melissa Lopera then homered for the second straight day, a three-run shot that capped the opening inning.
Karley Rouse held Rowan scoreless through the first three innings, stranding multiple runners. The Profs finally scored in the fourth, taking advantage of a stolen home and an RBI single to cut the lead to 4-2. Head coach Kevin Griffin then brought in Macy Funderburk, who struck out two batters to keep the Blazers ahead.
Funderburk continued her strong pitching effort with four scoreless innings, earning her 22nd win of the season. She struck out five and retired the last three batters in the final inning to seal the victory. Rowan mounted a late threat but Funderburk escaped a bases-loaded situation in the sixth and retired two of three batters in the seventh.
Melissa Lopera finished 1-for-3 with her second home run and three RBIs. Guy and Steverson each contributed two hits, while Langston and Lauren Dunbar added one apiece. Rouse allowed two runs over three innings before Funderburk’s relief appearance.
Belhaven will face No. 2 seed Trine on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. CT. The Blazers must beat Trine twice to reach the NCAA Division III Championship Series, as the Thunder defeated Belhaven 7-5 in the opening round. The tournament continues Sunday with the winner advancing to the final series.
