Belmont Outlasts Second-Seeded Missouri State in 15-Inning Marathon to Advance to MVC Semis

CARBONDALE, Ill.-- The Belmont University softball team made history Thursday, defeating the No. 2-seeded and reigning Missouri Valley Conference champions, Missouri State in 15 innings, 2-1.

The contest set the record for the longest game in MVC championship history, and marks the second-longest game in NCAA Division I this season.

Emma Summers pitched for a total of 11 innings to claim victory over the Bears after starting the game and re-entering in the ninth inning. In her time in the circle the junior posted nine strikeouts and allowed only a single hit from the Bears offense.

After battling an injury. Maya Johnson appeared in the circle for the first time since facing Indiana State on April 16.

Johnson picked up her 200th strikeout on the year, while adding seven across her four innings and not allowing a single opposing run.

Missouri State went up first 1-0, on a sacrifice bunt play from Kelsie Lewis in the second inning. The Bruins proceeded to hold the Bears scoreless over the following 13 innings.

Both teams battled through twelve scoreless innings as they relied on their pitching staffs. The Bears threw three pitchers during the 15 inning stint with 13 strikeouts against the Bruins.

For her third RBI of the season, Indy Cockrill came in clutch when it mattered most with the game-tying single falling just beyond the infield to score pinch runner Savannah Halterman.

Eight more scoreless innings followed the Bruins' game-tying run.

Together, Bruin pitchers struck out the final batter in four separate innings to bring the momentum back to their bench for their offensive halves.

Emily Cockrill led off the 15th inning determined to win as she blasted a double that fell into left center for her third base hit of the night. Brenna Blume advanced  Cockrill to third on a ground out, and a sacrifice fly from Nicole Hughes brought in the game-winning run after 15 innings.

The Bruins proved their grit and determination to survive another day at the MVC Championships.

Due to the extended game, the final quarterfinal of the day was pushed back until Friday morning. The Bruins will face the winner of the Southern Illinois and Illinois State matchup in the semifinals at 5 p.m. CT tomorrow in Carbondale.

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