MARSHALL, Texas - The Belhaven Softball team secured a spot in the Division III Women's College World Series for the first time in program history after taking down No. 1 Linfield twice in the semifinal round, including a walk-off winner in Game Two.

GAME ONE

The Blazers took their first game of the day against the top-seed in the Women's College World Series, 6-0, behind a pair of three run home runs and a shutout from Kennedy Carruth. Facing elimination and needing to knock off Linfield twice, the Blazers got a strong start from Carruth in the circle who kept the game scoreless through the first three frames.

Belhaven finally got the breakthrough in the 4th inning as Katie Jo Richardson drilled a three-run homer down the left field line to put the Blazers in front. Carruth continued to throw up zeroes on the scoreboard with the help of some strong defensive work behind her.

In the top of the 7th, the Blazers got some extra insurance as Allie Gordon blasted her third home run of the World Series and put Belhaven in front 6-0. Belhaven secured the win over the Wildcats and forced a decisive final game later in the day with a spot in the World Series Championship on the line. 

Top Performances

Kennedy Carruth (W, 29-5): 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 6 K
Allie Gordon: 2-3, HR, 3 RBI
Katie Jo Richardson: 2-3, HR, 3 RBI

GAME TWO

With a win or go home semifinal contest set between the Blazers and Wildcats, Belhaven would once again turn to Kennedy Carruth in the circle. After a scoreless from the Louisiana native, Belhaven got an early start at the plate as Katie Jo Richardson dropped an RBI double down the right field line to plate a pair of runs.

Linfield would not be held scoreless in this game though, answering with a pair of runs in the top of the 3rd to tie the contest. A wild pitch in the bottom of the 4th restored the Belhaven lead as Jordan Kanipe crossed the plate, but once again Linfield had an answer, leveling the game in the top of the 5th.

A scoreless 6th inning would send the game to the final frame tied at 3-3 and a chance to play for a national championship on the line. After Carruth got out of the top of the 7th scoreless, the Blazers had an opportunity to win it via the walk-off. 

Colby Hollinger pinch hit to lead off the inning and worked a four-pitch walk to put the winning run aboard. Sarah Stockstill would then run for Hollinger and move into scoring position following Madi Miller's walk. Allie Gordon would load the bases with nobody out on a sharp single through the left side, putting the winning run just 60 feet away.

Kennedy Carruth, in an appropriate ending following her dominance in the circle, would win the game for the Green and Gold on a sac fly to center field that scored Stockstill from third and sent Belhaven to their first ever NCAA Championship Final.

SB | FINAL | BEL 4, LIN 3

BLAZERS WIN, BLAZERS WIN, BLAZERS WIN

Belhaven is headed to the Division III WCWS Championship Series#GoGreen | #d3sb | @BelhavenSB_ pic.twitter.com/dtDEmmnkho

— Belhaven Blazers (@BelhavenBlazers) June 2, 2024

Top Performances

Kennedy Carruth (W, 30-5): 7.0 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 7 K
Katie Jo Richardson: 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI
Allie Gordon: 2-4
Kennedy Carruth: 1-3, RBI

The Blazers will face familiar opposition in the Division III Women's College World Series Championship as they take on former conference foe No. 2 East Texas Baptist University. The Blazers and Tigers will play a best-of-three series for the 2024 National Championship. Game One is set for Tuesday at 11:00 AM with Game Two on Wednesday at 11:00 AM. If necessary, a decisive Game Three is set for Wednesday at 1:30 PM.

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