(SALEM, VA.) - Trine University softball opened play at the final site of the NCAA Division Three Softball Championship Thursday with a 7-5 win over Belhaven University.
The Thunder jumped out quickly in the first inning after Whitney Duell, Karley Trine and Tyra Marcum opened the game with three straight extra-base hits. Trine scored twice during the inning as Trine University built a 3-0 lead.
Belhaven answered with a run in the second before Debbie Hill connected on a two-run homer to right-center field to stretch the Thunder lead to 5-1.
The Blazers cut into the lead during the middle innings, but Trine added insurance runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. Jo Trine scored on a Marcum single in the fourth before Clare Feehan came home on a Belhaven error in the fifth.
Belhaven scored twice in the seventh inning before Hill closed out the victory in relief.
Hill earned her 13th win of the season after entering the game during the third inning. She allowed four runs, none earned, while striking out nine batters.
The Thunder improved to 39-6 overall with the victory and advance to face Simpson College Friday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.