Belhaven Softball Dominates CCS with Nine All-Conference Selections
Jackson, Miss. — Belhaven softball finished the regular season with a 32-8 record and captured the CCS regular season title. The team’s success was reflected in a league-high nine players earning all-conference honors, according to the conference.
Freshman pitcher AR Sharp was named CCS Rookie Pitcher of the Year, making an immediate impact in her first season. Sharp went 9-0 with a 2.90 ERA in 58 innings, working both as a starter and reliever. She limited opponents to a .288 batting average and recorded two saves, becoming the first player in program history to earn the award, per the school.
Head coach Kevin Griffin received CCS Coach of the Year honors for the second time, his first since 2023. In his 16th season, Griffin led Belhaven to its sixth consecutive 30-win season and a conference championship. The team posted a 2.41 team ERA and led the league in batting average (.344), runs scored (283), hits (364), and RBIs (259).
Belhaven had two players on the First Team, including first baseman Kaleigh Steverson and pitcher Macy Funderburk. Steverson hit .378 with 48 hits, 10 doubles, seven home runs and 31 RBIs. Funderburk, a junior, went 10-4 with a 1.75 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 60 innings, holding opponents to a .182 batting average.
Seven more Blazers earned second-team honors, including catcher Maddie Bruner, shortstop Melissa Lopera, senior third baseman Ellie Williamson, outfielder Grace Langston, outfielder Reagan Bryan, designated player Maryanna Guy, and at-large selection Liberty Gillihan. Bruner, in her first season, contributed power and consistency, while Lopera hit .405 with 47 hits and 35 RBIs. Guy was among the league leaders with a .412 batting average and 41 RBIs.
Belhaven now advances as the No. 1 seed into the CCS tournament, aiming to carry its regular-season momentum into postseason play, according to the school. The team’s success highlights its balanced offensive and pitching strengths this season, officials said.
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