Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SHAWNEE, Okla. – The Belhaven softball team saw an emotional series of events unfold on Wednesday, defeating St. Gregory's University (51-10) to stay alive in the NAIA Opening Round before being eliminated by the same team hours later. The Blazers finish their season at 44-17 after falling 10-8 in their final game of the year.

(Box Score-HTML Game 1) (Box Score-HTML Game 2)
"We battled all day long and hit the ball well, but we didn't do a good job of settling down after calls didn't go our way," Head Coach Kevin Griffin said. "Our program is recognized nationally because of the efforts of our seniors, and I am proud of this team for this season."

Katy Adair pitched just 0.2 innings in the circle but was bailed out by teammate Ginger Lonergan, who gave Belhaven 6.1 innings. SGU's Devon Frazier allowed three runs in her only inning before Sierra Gallego gave up five runs over the next five innings.

Southern States Athletic Conference Player of the Year Dominique Corona led the Blazers in the first Wednesday game, driving in a run with two hits and scoring twice. Adair added two RBI on her two hits, while three other Blazers plated a run.

Brooklyn Sparks, Danielle Bacon, and Melanie Gladden combined for seven hits and five RBI for the Cavaliers, but their effort came up just short. Both teams scored in the first inning, but Belhaven's five-run sixth proved to be the frame that forced the deciding game.

Belhaven was clinging to a 5-0 lead after four innings when disaster struck, and the fifth frame drained momentum from the Blazers' dugout. Ten runs came across to score in the Cavalier fifth, and while Belhaven would chip away, St. Gregory's ultimately held on for the victory.

Shelby Watson posted a big day for Belhaven, connecting for three base hits and three RBI. Ashlee Hitt and Victoria Sorrell combined for four more hits, but SGU's Randi Yousey and Dani Nissen countered with three base hits apiece and the Cavaliers prevailed.

Jessica Paris and Ginger Lonergan combined for 4.2 innings pitched and just four earned runs before Watson hurled the final 2.1 frames. Devon Frazier started the game for St. Gregory's, but it was Gallego who came away with her 19th win of the year.

Belhaven claims four four-year seniors, and their 162 wins represent a new school record for any class. The Cavaliers are now one of ten teams left standing and will play in Columbus, Georgia next week in the NAIA World Series.