Blue Mountain Christian softball earns first NAIA Opening Round bid

Blue Mountain Christian University’s softball team earned its first at-large bid to the NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round, the school announced Wednesday. The Toppers will compete in a five-team bracket in Oklahoma City, hosted by Oklahoma City University.

The Stars, the No. 1 seed in the Oklahoma City bracket, are ranked No. 5 in the NAIA Coaches Poll. The Toppers are the No. 3 seed and will open tournament play against No. 2 seed Grand View University on Monday, May 11, at 4 p.m. CST. Other teams in the bracket include No. 4 seed University of British Columbia and No. 5 seed Williams Baptist University, a familiar opponent for Blue Mountain after facing them earlier this season.

Coach Matt Brunet’s team finished the regular season with a program-record 38-15-1 record. It marks the program’s first trip to the national postseason, adding a historic milestone to an already record-breaking year. The team set 17 single-season records, with nine individual records also on pace to be broken during postseason play.

Junior third baseman Kelsey Camp led the offense, breaking the team’s single-season RBI record with 49 and earning Second Team All-SSAC honors. Center fielder Anna Harrison also had a standout year, earning First Team All-SSAC honors, a Gold Glove award, and a spot on the Champions of Character Team. Harrison ranks fifth in the NAIA with 52 stolen bases and set the school record with 60 runs scored, leading the nation in that category.

The team posted a .327 batting average, a .397 on-base percentage, and a .438 slugging percentage. First baseman Aspen Teague led the team offensively with a .408 batting average. On the mound, junior pitcher Madison Montgomery posted a 2.50 ERA, and the staff collectively maintained a 2.97 ERA with 144 strikeouts.

School officials praised the team’s achievement. Athletic director Curt Fowler called it “an incredible” accomplishment and highlighted the character and unity of the team. President Barbara McMillin credited the players and coaches for creating a “stellar team” this season. Brunet expressed pride in his team’s resilience and excitement to represent Blue Mountain in Oklahoma City.

Details about the opening round, including the game schedule and visitor information, are available from the school’s athletic department.

Source: Original Article