Belhaven Softball Heads to NCAA Division III Finals in Salem
Salem, Va. — Belhaven University’s softball team is headed to the NCAA Division III Finals, marking their second appearance in three seasons. The Blazers secured their spot after winning the Belhaven Regional and sweeping UW-Oshkosh in the Jackson Super Regional, according to school officials.
Belhaven is the No. 7 seed in the tournament and will open against No. 2 seed and defending national champion Trine on Thursday, May 28, at 3 p.m. Central time. The eight-team field will utilize a double-elimination format through May 31, with the finalists competing in a best-of-three series scheduled for June 2 and 3 at the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem. The event is hosted by the City of Salem and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.
The Blazers advanced by winning their regional, which included an 8-2 victory over Westminster and a 4-0 win against Emory University. Macy Funderburk was named regional most outstanding player after pitching a complete game and allowing just four hits in the final. The team then swept UW-Oshkosh in the super regional, outscoring the Titans 15-3 in two games. Funderburk and Liberty Gillihan earned postseason honors for their performances.
Belhaven enters the finals with a 42-10 record and has won nine NCAA tournament games over the past two postseasons. The team’s lineup ranks among the top 25 nationally in slugging percentage, scoring, and home runs per game. Funderburk leads the pitching staff, supported by Rouse and Sharp in the circle.
Their first opponent, Trine, is a four-time finalist and the reigning champion. The Thunder, with a 38-6 record, features one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, ranking first in slugging percentage and home runs per game. They defeated Muhlenberg in the super regional, winning two of three games after dropping the opener. Trine also boasts several top hitters, including Debbie Hill, Emma Lee, and Tyra Marcum, who have been recognized for their performances this postseason.
Belhaven and Trine previously met on March 7, with the Thunder winning 6-4 in Georgia. In that game, Steverson led Belhaven with two doubles and two RBIs, while Funderburk pitched four scoreless innings in relief. The winner of Thursday’s matchup will face either Simpson or Mount Union in the subsequent round.
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