The Belhaven softball team split its first two games at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Georgia, on Friday. The Blazers edged Pfeiffer 6-5 in eight innings before losing to Mount Union 7-6, according to team officials.
Belhaven secured its first win with a walk-off in the bottom of the eighth inning against Pfeiffer. The Blazers built a 4-0 lead early, highlighted by a solo home run from Maryanna Guy in the third inning. Pfeiffer responded with a two-run rally in the fourth and tied the game at 5-5 in the seventh, forcing extra innings.
In the eighth, Maddie Keller started as the placed runner at second base. Lily Wainwright moved her to third, and Gracey Harbour was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Maddie Bruner then drew a walk, forcing home the winning run. Karley Rouse earned the win in relief after pitching two scoreless innings, striking out three.
The second game saw Belhaven nearly complete a comeback against Mount Union. The Blazers took a 2-0 lead early, but Mount Union scored six runs in the third inning to take a 7-2 lead. Belhaven chipped away, scoring four runs over the next three innings and making a final push in the seventh.
Reagan Bryan and Emma Moore contributed key hits, including a double and two walks, to help narrow the deficit. Mount Union held on, however, ending Belhaven’s rally with a strikeout. Guy led the offense with three hits, including a home run and a double, and drove in four runs. Funderburk relieved in the circle, allowing only two hits over 2.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts.
Belhaven continues playing at the NFCA Leadoff Classic with additional matchups scheduled throughout the weekend. Follow updates on @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and support the team through Team Green Giving, officials said.
