May 23, 2011

GULF SHORES, Ala. – (Box Score) A four-run fourth inning was the difference for Belhaven (Miss.) (48-10) in the 5-2 victory over William Carey (Miss.) (53-7) at the 2011 NAIA Softball National Championship Monday. Trailing 2-0 after one inning, the Blazers sent eight batters to the plate in the fourth frame that broke the game open.

Belhaven will take on Oregon Tech, a 7-1 winner earlier today against Lubbock Christian (Texas), at 12:30 p.m. CDT in the winner’s bracket. William Carey battles Lubbock Christian at 12:30 p.m.

In a game that featured two rivals in the Southern States Athletic Conference, William Carey pushed across two runs in the first. Judy Barber smacked a two-run homer that scored Tan Montgomery, who led off the game with a single.

Belhaven cut the deficit in half with a lone run in the second inning. Rachel Wright scored on a RBI-single through the left side by Lizzy Hess.

Two innings later, the Blazers chased William Carey starter Anna Ard. After a Wright double and Chelsea Randle walk, Ard was relieved by Kelsey Jo Smith. Belhaven proceeded to load the bases and got RBI singles from Hess and Christina Jaques. The Blazers added two more in the inning to take a 5-2 lead.

Belhaven starter Sarah Burns retired the side in the fifth and sixth innings and left one runner stranded in the seventh to close out the complete-game victory.

Burns, who moved to 39-8 on the year, struck out eight and walked one. She allowed two runs on three hits.

Ard took the loss after she allowed three runs on five hits in 3.1 innings.

Wright finished with a game-high three hits, with one run scored, for Belhaven. For the Lady Crusaders, Montgomery, Barber and Jasmine Shelby each collected a hit.

The 31^st annual event is played at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.

For the complete schedule, click here.