MARSHALL, Texas - The Belhaven Softball staved off elimination and advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Women's College World Series on Saturday with a 3-0 shutout victory over Tufts University.

With both clubs facing elimination, the Blazers and Jumbos found themselves in a pitcher's duel with a berth to the bracket final and World Series semifinal on the line. Kennedy Carruth continued her stellar run in Marshall and kept Belhaven in a good spot against Tufts, blanking the opposition through the first three innings.

After the Blazers were held scoreless themselves, they finally found the breakthrough on an RBI double from Natalie Parker that scored a run. After Anna Caime drove in another run on a fielder's choice, Mary Moore Widemire made it a three-run frame with an RBI fielder's choice on the infield.

Belhaven would score three times in the 4th inning, but would only need one in the end as Kennedy Carruth spun a gem in the circle. Carruth held Tufts scoreless in the complete game victory and racked up 10 strikeouts, including the 900th strikeout of her Belhaven career.

Top Performances

Natalie Parker: 1-3, 2B, RBI
Anna Caime: 1-3, RBI
Allie Gordon: 2-3, 2B

With the win, the Blazers advance to the bracket final with a shot of the Softball Championship Series on the line. The Blazers will face off against the World Series top seed and NFCA No. 1 Linfield on Sunday at 11:00 AM with hopes of forcing an second game at 4:00 PM.

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