TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Belmont University Softball (41–11, 21–5 MVC) opened the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional with a 2–0 shutout victory over Southeastern Louisiana University Friday afternoon at Rhoads Stadium.
The win marked Belmont's second NCAA Regional victory in program history following last season's regional win over Jackson State University in Tuscaloosa.
The Bruins recorded their 19th shutout of the season against a Southeastern Louisiana team that entered the postseason leading the nation with 22 shutouts of its own. Maya Johnson added another dominant performance in the circle, earning her 28th win and 15th shutout of the season, continuing to lead the NCAA.
VS Southeastern Louisiana – Tuscaloosa Regional (2–0)
Belmont struck first in the opening inning after Emily Konz reached base and advanced into scoring position. Rylee Spindler followed with a single through the left side before freshman Lydia Vanderwoude delivered an RBI single to right center, bringing home Konz and putting the Bruins on the board early. The hit marked Vanderwoude's first career RBI in NCAA Tournament play.
The Bruins continued creating offensive opportunities throughout the game with strong at-bats from Konz, Vanderwoude, and Maddy Balsiger. Balsiger opened the second inning with a double to left center to give Belmont another scoring opportunity, while the Bruins continued putting pressure on SLU defensively with consistent contact at the plate.
Belmont added an insurance run in the sixth inning after Madison Dolecki reached base and Addison Swink entered as a pinch runner. Brenna Blume then laid down a bunt single to load the bases before freshman Tallulah Eichholz lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, allowing Swink to score and extend the lead to 2–0. The RBI marked Eichholz's first career RBI in NCAA Regional competition.
Defensively, the Bruins delivered key plays throughout the afternoon. Vanderwoude made a standout catch at shortstop in the third inning to rob a hard-hit line drive for the second out of the frame, while Belmont's infield continued to make routine plays behind Johnson in the circle. Madison Dolecki recorded five putouts at first base, Brenna Blume added seven putouts behind the plate, and Vanderwoude, Blume, and Nicole Hughes each finished with two assists.
Johnson controlled the game from start to finish, striking out the side in the opening inning and finishing with eight strikeouts while allowing just four hits across seven shutout innings. The performance marked the most strikeouts and fewest hits allowed by Johnson in an NCAA Regional appearance.
The game ended in dramatic fashion in the seventh inning as Southeastern Louisiana's final batter struck out swinging but reached on a wild pitch. With the potential tying run advancing, Blume threw the ball home to Johnson, who added the tag at the plate to secure the final out after review confirmed the call and clinched Belmont's regional-opening victory.
Up Next
Belmont advances to face No. 1 overall seed Alabama Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. CT at Rhoads Stadium in the winners bracket of the Tuscaloosa Regional.
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