JACKSON, Miss. - Coming off a dominant regular season that ended with a CCS Regular Season title, Belhaven softball saw that success carry over into the yearly conference awards, placing a conference-best nine players on the 2026 CCS All-Conference teams while also taking home two of the league's top honors.

Freshman AR Sharp was named CCS Rookie Pitcher of the Year, while head coach Kevin Griffin earned CCS Coach of the Year for the second time in his career and first since 2023. Belhaven's nine all-conference selections led the league and reflected a regular season where the Blazers finished 32-8 overall and 15-1 in conference play.  

Sharp made an immediate impact in her first year in the circle and quickly became one of the most reliable arms in the conference. The freshman finished 9-0 with a 2.90 ERA across 58.0 innings, working both as a starter and out of the bullpen. She limited opponents to a .288 batting average and added two saves. She becomes the first player in program history to be named CCS Rookie Pitcher of the Year.

Kevin Griffin's teams have set a standard, and this season was no different. In his 16th year, he guided Belhaven to another 30-win season and the CCS regular season title, marking the program's sixth straight year reaching that mark. The Blazers were steady all season, finishing with one of the top pitching staffs in the league and the most productive offense in the conference.

Belhaven led the CCS in team batting average (.344), runs scored (283), hits (364), and RBI (259), while also posting a 2.41 team ERA.  

Belhaven landed two players on the First Team, highlighted by Kaleigh Steverson at first base and Macy Funderburk in the circle.

Steverson made an immediate impact in her first season with the program, hitting .378 with 48 hits, 10 doubles, seven home runs, and 31 RBI. She was a steady presence in the middle of the lineup and finished among the league leaders in several offensive categories.  

Funderburk earned her second straight All-Conference selection after another strong year. The junior went 10-4 with a 1.75 ERA across 60.0 innings, striking out 78 while holding opponents to a .182 batting average, one of the best marks in the conference.  

Seven more Blazers were recognized on the Second Team.

Maddie Bruner (C) - In her first season with the Blazers, Bruner provided power and consistency behind the plate, finishing with six doubles, three triples, three home runs, and 18 RBI.  

Melissa Lopera (SS) - Another first-year contributor, Lopera hit .405 with 47 hits, 10 doubles, five home runs, and 35 RBI while setting the tone at the top of the lineup.  

Ellie Williamson (3B) - A steady senior leader, Williamson earned her second straight All-Conference honor, batting .349 with 14 doubles and 24 RBI.  

Grace Langston (OF) - In her first season, Langston hit .354 and added 21 RBI while consistently getting on base and creating scoring chances.  

Reagan Bryan (OF) - Bryan picked up her second straight All-Conference selection, finishing with a .328 average, 42 hits, and 27 RBI while adding speed on the bases with a perfect 10-for-10 in stolen bases.

Maryanna Guy (DP) - One of the top hitters in the conference, Guy hit .412 with 49 hits, 14 doubles, eight home runs, and 41 RBI. She ranked among the league leaders in multiple offensive categories and was a constant run producer in the middle of the lineup.

Liberty Gillihan (At-Large) - Gillihan added depth to the lineup, hitting .322 with 28 hits and 18 RBI while drawing 20 walks and posting a .464 on-base percentage.

Bruner also represented Belhaven on the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team, recognizing her leadership and approach to the game throughout the season.

With the CCS Tournament underway, Belhaven will look to carry that same level into postseason play as the No. 1 seed.

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