Box Score
Gulf Shores, AL-The Belhaven softball team saw the 2011 season come to a close falling to top ranked California Baptist University Tuesday night 4-1 in the 2011 NAIA National Championships in Gulf Shores, AL. The Blazers defeated Cal State-San Marcos earlier today 1-0 and finish third in this year's national tournament. It's the highest finish for any Belhaven team in any sport since the 1992 Men's Soccer team won the NAIA National Championship.

Belhaven (50-12) fell behind 3-0, but this time could not recover after Cal Baptist (65-4) blasted three solo home runs to take the lead. This first came off the bat of Sloan McHann to start the fourth and then the Lancers picked up the second two in the sixth on a leadoff blast by Lindsey Henry and a two out solo shot by April Vasquez.

Belhaven picked up their only run in the sixth on an RBI single by Annalee Carr and threatened to score more loading the bases with two outs. Unfortunately, the bases were left loaded and Belhaven could not mount a comeback bid in the seventh.

Belhaven was led by Carr who was 2 for 3 with an RBI followed by Christina Jaques who had one hit and one run scored in three plate appearances. The Blazers were limited to just three hits and had a tough time figuring out the Lancer pitching staff. Sarah Burns, who pitched every inning in the tournament took the loss and ends the season with a 36-9 record. Burns allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits with a walk and five strikeouts. Sloan McHann paced the Lancers going 3 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI on her 14th home run of the season.

“I'm proud of the girls and the run that they made this year considering the circumstances of a new staff and how they responded,” said Belhaven Head Coach Kevin Griffin. “We didn't have a great fall no one knew to expect over the grind of a 62 game season. However, we came together as a team and went further than any other softball team in the history of Belhaven's program.”

Tory Ferreira (19-2) started for California Baptist (65-4) and earned the win pitching 5.2 innings allowing one run on three hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Emma Holden finished the game logging 1.1 innings with a walk and a strikeout. Holden picked up the save which was her third of the year.

Belhaven finishes the year with 50 wins and marks the second consecutive season that the team has 50 wins or more. The Lancers will advance to the championship game Wednesday afternoon against Oregon Tech beginning at 12:30.