Belhaven Softball Advances at CCS Tournament with Run-Rule Win After Opening Loss
OXFORD, Ala. — Belhaven Softball opened the 2026 CCS Softball Championship with a narrow 3-2 loss to Maryville before bouncing back with a 10-0 run-rule victory over Covenant on Thursday at Choccolocco Park. With the split, the Blazers will face Piedmont in an elimination game Friday at 2 p.m., according to tournament officials.
In the opener, Maryville scored three runs in the first inning on two hits and a three-run home run. Belhaven pitcher Macy Funderburk entered in relief and pitched seven innings, allowing one run and striking out six. Despite chances later in the game, the Blazers couldn’t overcome the early deficit, though they rallied in the seventh. A walk, two singles, and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, and Kaleigh Steverson delivered a single that brought in a run. A fielding error allowed another run to score, but the rally ended with two pop-ups.
Belhaven responded strongly in the second game, scoring 10 runs on 10 hits in a five-inning victory. The Blazers scored early in the fourth inning, capitalizing on errors and timely hitting. Ellie Williamson and Liberty Gillihan drove in runs with singles, and Madeline Bullock added an RBI. Reagan Bryan’s two-run double and Maryanna Guy’s two-run homer highlighted the inning, which pushed the lead to 8-0. Belhaven continued to add runs with RBI singles from Gillihan and Lauren Dunbar.
On the mound, Funderburk and AR Sharp combined to hold Covenant to just two hits and strike out four over five scoreless innings. Covenant threatened in the fourth with a leadoff single, but Belhaven turned a double play and kept the shutout intact. The team now prepares for Friday’s elimination game against Piedmont, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m., tournament officials said.
For updates on Belhaven athletics, fans are encouraged to follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram or like their page on Facebook. Supporters can also visit Team Green Giving to donate to Belhaven Athletics.
Source: Original Article
