NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball team (33–10, 19–4 MVC) secured a hard-fought series win over Illinois State, bouncing back from a game one loss to take the final two contests in extra innings at E.S. Rose Park.
Following Friday's doubleheader, Belmont honored Maya Johnson, who received AUSL's Golden Ticket, becoming the first mid-major player to earn a bid.
VS Illinois State – Game 1 (1-2)
Illinois State struck early with a solo home run in the first inning and added another run in the fourth. Belmont answered in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI single from Maddy Balsiger, but the Bruins were unable to complete the comeback.
Maya Johnson (21–2) went the distance, allowing two runs on eight hits while striking out eight in the loss for her second of the season.
VS Illinois State – Game 2 (3-2, 9 inn.)
Belmont responded in game two with a gritty extra-inning victory.
After Illinois State jumped ahead 2–0 in the second, Brenna Blume delivered a clutch two-RBI double to tie the game. The score remained locked until the ninth inning, when Belmont walked it off.
Emily Konz led off the inning with a single and advanced into scoring position, setting up Maddy Balsiger, who came around to score the game-winning run on a wild pitch to secure the 3–2 victory.
Hannah Leierer (4–5) earned the win in relief, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings.
VS Illinois State – Game 3 (5-4, 8 inn.)
The series finale proved to be another battle, with Belmont once again delivering late.
Illinois State built a 2–0 lead before the Bruins erupted in the fourth inning. RBI hits from Tallulah Eichholz, Lydia Vanderwoude, and Rylee Spindler, along with a run scored on a passed ball, gave Belmont a 4–2 advantage.
Illinois State answered with two runs in the seventh to tie the game, forcing extra innings.
In the eighth, Belmont capitalized as Rylee Spindler delivered the game-winning RBI single, scoring Ella Bertucci and sealing the 5–4 win.
Maya Johnson (22–2) earned the victory, striking out 10 over eight innings.
Up Next
Belmont heads on the road for a conference series against Northern Iowa, beginning with a doubleheader Friday followed by a single game Saturday.
