JACKSON, Miss. — The Belhaven softball team overcame an early loss to Emory to claim the NCAA Division III Belhaven Regional championship with a 4-0 victory in the winner-take-all game, according to school officials.
The Blazers, who entered the day needing just one win to advance, lost the opening game 15-7. Emory’s high-scoring effort forced a decisive game, with the Eagles taking an early lead on a three-run inside-the-park home run in the second inning.
Belhaven responded with a strong offensive showing in the third, highlighted by singles from Grace Langston and RBI hits from Kaleigh Steverson and Ellie Williamson. Emory extended its lead in the fourth but couldn’t hold off the Blazers, who continued battling. Maddie Bruner hit a home run and Lauren Dunbar added extra-base hits to keep Belhaven within striking distance.
The decisive second game saw Macy Funderburk dominate on the mound. The junior pitcher allowed just four hits over seven innings, striking out 18 and retiring 18 fly-ball outs. Her performance kept Emory off balance throughout the game.
Belhaven scored twice in the third inning on a double by Bruner, a sacrifice bunt, and an RBI single by Maryanna Guy. The Blazers added two insurance runs in the seventh, with Liberty Gillihan’s single scoring two runners. Funderburk closed out the game in the bottom of the seventh, sealing the victory and the regional title.
Funderburk was named Most Outstanding Player of the regional, finishing 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 16.1 innings. Ellie Williamson led Belhaven hitters with a .545 batting average during the regional, while Steverson drove in five runs and hit .417. The team collectively hit .373, with 28 runs, 41 hits, 12 doubles, and six home runs.
The Blazers advance to the NCAA Super Regional, scheduled for next week with opponents and location to be determined, officials said. Fans can follow updates on Belhaven athletics via social media and support through the school’s donation platform, Team Green Giving.
