Softball to Compete in Littlewood Classic in Arizona

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Belmont University Softball Program (2-3, 0-0 MVC) travels to Tempe, Ariz. this weekend to compete in the Littlewood Classic hosted by Arizona State and Grand Canyon. The Bruins will open tournament play against Utah Valley (2-3, 0-0 WAC) on Friday at 11:30 a.m. CT. 
 
What's Bruin

• The Bruins opened the season in the Buzz Classic hosted by Georgia Tech where they went 2-3 with wins over Eastern Kentucky and Western Kentucky.
• Maya Johnson had an impressive showing on opening weekend. The pitcher recorded just the second perfect game in program history after tallying 13 strikeouts retiring 21 batters in the Bruins match up against Eastern Kentucky. Overall, Johnson recorded 23 strikeouts while only allowing one hit and two walks in just 13 innings of work in the Buzz Classic.
• The pitcher's performance landed her Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week and Tennessee Sports Writers Association Pitcher of the Week.
• Johnson represented the Bruins on the Preseason All-MVC Team. The red-shirt junior was also ranked no. 13 on the College Sports Evaluation Preseason Top 50 Pitchers List.
• Belmont's pitching staff currently averages a conference best 1.93 ERA.
• Emily Cockrill led the Bruins with six hits, two doubles, three RBI, and two runs for a .429 batting average over opening weekend.
• The Bruins return all four All-MVC honorees from last season. Nicole Hughes and Maya Johnson were tabbed First Team All-Conference while Brenna Blume was named Second Team and Baie Ensio All-Defensive.
• Nicole Hughes was a focal point on Belmont's offense last season and is looking to continue leading the Bruins in 2025. The short stop compiled 31 runs, 55 hits, 10 doubles, six home runs, and 31 RBIs for a .346 batting average last year. Hughes was tabbed MVC and Tennessee Sports Writers Association Player of the Week once in the 2024 season.

Against the Field

• Belmont is set to face each opponent of the Littlewood Classic for the first time in program history (ASU, GCU, Oregon, Utah Valley, and Weber State).
• Belmont will take on their first ranked opponent of the season in Sunday's matchup against no. 21 Oregon.
• The Bruins will face just their second power-four opponent of the season in this weekend's tournament.  

Live stats will be available on belmontbruins.com with select games streamed on ESPN+. 
 
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