Belhaven Advances to NCAA Regional Final with Win Over Emory

JACKSON, Miss. — Belhaven softball continued its strong run in the NCAA Division III Softball Regional with a 9-1 victory over Emory on Friday morning at Jim McLeod Field. The Blazers scored in each of the first three innings, accumulating 12 hits to earn a spot in the regional championship game.

The Blazers now need one win in Saturday’s final to claim the regional title. Emory must beat Belhaven twice to advance to the Super Regional, which is the next step toward the national championship.

Belhaven opened the scoring early, with Reagan Bryan singling and stealing second before Ellie Williamson and Kaleigh Steverson delivered key hits to put the Blazers ahead 2-0. In the second inning, Belhaven extended its lead with a six-run rally, highlighted by RBI doubles from Maryanna Guy and Lauren Dunbar.

Junior Macy Funderburk started for Belhaven and threw three hitless innings, striking out two before Karley Rouse finished the game, working out of a fifth-inning jam. Emory threatened in the fifth but was unable to score, leaving two runners stranded after Rouse induced a groundout.

Williamson led Belhaven offensively, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Steverson also contributed with two hits and two RBIs. The Blazers finished with 12 hits overall, with production from multiple players throughout the lineup.

Belhaven will face Emory again Saturday at Jim McLeod Field, aiming to clinch the regional title. The game will determine if the Blazers advance to the NCAA Super Regional, with one victory needed for the program’s fourth appearance in five seasons.

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