Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

DECATUR, Ala. — Campbellsville used a four-run fifth inning to conquer No. 9 Belhaven, 6-3, and validated that win with a rain-shortened, six-inning 7-4 victory over Tennessee Wesleyan on Day 1 of the Alabama Arctic Blast.

 

"It was two good wins," said Lady Tiger Softball Coach Shannon Wathen. "We are continuing to get better and grow."

 

The Belhaven win gives CU (7-1) two wins over Top 15 teams so far in the young season.

 

Campbellsville 6, Belhaven 3

 

The Lady Tigers used five combined RBIs from Kristin Benton and Sara Paragon to stake claim to the 6-3 win.

 

CU scored a run in its first at-bat on a walk to Shelby Ray and a run-scoring single by Heather Oakley. There were no more fireworks until the fifth when the Lady Tigers strung together four hits.

 

Erin Benton doubled to begin the frame and Brittany Rippy was hit by a pitch, setting the table for Kristin Benton. Benton singled scoring Kennedy Shutter, who pinch ran for Erin Benton. Paragon's double plated two more runs. Adrean Jordan's double sent Paragon home.

 

Leading 6-0 after Kristen Benton's double scored Kate Black in the top of the sixth, CU starter Victoria Decker got herself in a jam after a walk, hit, an error and a double by Haley Yasses drew Belhaven to within 6-3.

 

Martina Riney came in and forced Stacey Luciani to hit into a 4-6 double play and then the senior reliever nailed down the win after allowing a two-out single in the bottom of the seventh.

 

Decker went 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and striking out three. Riney covered the rest on two hits and one strikeout.

 

Kelly Adair and Ginger Lonergan combined to fan 10 Lady Tigers, by CU outhit its opponent 8-6.

 

Campbellsville 7, Tennessee Wesleyan 4

 

Campbellsville jumped all over Tennesse Wesleyan with a four-run first and one-run second to score all the runs it would eventually need to put Wesleyan away.

 

Kristin Benton had a double and a home run along with Adrean Jordan's three-run homer to propel the LTS offense.

 

It was Jordan's three-run shot in the first that got things going. Shelby Ray plated Alyssa Barker in the second.

 

Leading 5-2, CU added a run in the top of the fourth on Benton's solo shot to right. Markie Smith doubled with one out and pinch runner Kennedy Shutter scored on catcher Stacie Nelson's wild throw,

 

Winning pitcher Taylor Wroe went four innings, allowing three hits and fanning five. She saw relief help from Courtney Turpin who gave up two hits and struck out two.

 

Campbellsville continues play into Day 2 with 3:00 and 5:00 games against Auburn University — Montgomery and Martin Methodist, respectively.

 

To follow Lady Tiger softball go to Twitter @CvilleLTS or @CvilleTigers, Facebook — CampbellsvilleTigers or at www.campbellsvilletigers.com.