The Belhaven University softball team, ranked 6th in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, defeated Northwood University in Pool F action 6-3 at the 30th Annual NAIA National Softball Championship at Wilson Morgan Park on Thursday night. The Blazers victory advances their overall record to 51-8 while the Knights drop to 33-22 in 2010.
Belhaven took control of the game in the top of the first inning by scoring five runs on three hits. Britney Webb hit a leadoff single through the hole at short stop and advanced to second on a stole base. Jessica Eggold reached on a walk and Christina Jaques hit a RBI single up the middle platting Webb and advanced Eggold to second. Tiffany Ansley reached on the fielder’s choice and Eggold scored on a wild throw by Lebron. Heather Pace grounded out to third allowing Jaques to score and Ansley advanced to third. Rian O’Bannon reached on a walk and advanced to second on a stolen base and Rachel Wright blasted a RBI single up the middle allowing Ansley to cross home plate and move O’Bannon to third. O’Bannon scored on a stolen base giving the Blazers a 5-0 lead.
The Blazers scored their final run of the game in the top of the third frame as Ansley hit an RBI single through the hole at short stop to score Jaques. Northwood broke the lead down to within three in the bottom of the seventh inning when Edin Duquette hit a three run home run to deep right center on a 2-2 count permitting Tancy Matthews and Jillian Jones to cross home plate. Nonetheless, Belhaven did not allow the Knights to score anymore runs and took the win with a final score of 6-3.
Sarah Burns earned the win for Belhaven pitching five innings while allowing just two hits. Burns did not surrender any runs while striking out eight to advance her record to 27-4 in the 2010. Taylor Jones received the loss for Northwood and falls to 25-11 on the year as she worked in the circle for five innings allowing six runs and six hits with two strikeouts.
Jaques and Ansley led the Blazers on offense by going 2 for 4 at the plate with one run batted in followed by Wright and Pace who added in an RBI as well. For Northwood, Eden Duquettes had one hit, one homerun, and three runs batted in for the Knights offense.
Belhaven will be back in action on Friday as they battle it out in day two of the NAIA National Softball Championship against Columbia (Mo.). The first pitch is slated for 12:30 PM.
See the official Belhaven Softball site for more information.
Belhaven University, formerly Belhaven College, prepares men and women academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas. Founded in 1883, the University now serves over 3,000 students from campuses in Jackson, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, and online.