HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — (BOX SCORE) On a day when it seemed like the softball would never end, the Lady Tigers kept their season going with a 7-2 win in the title game of the USCB Bracket of the NAIA Opening Round and will be taking up residence in Sioux City, Iowa May 22-28 for the World Series.

Campbellsville (38-9) beat the host Sand Sharks (42-14) twice, eating up 19 innings of dramatic give-and-take that took nearly five hours to complete. The Lady Tigers defeated USC Beaufort, 6-5, in 12 innings in the first game of the championship round. That game tied the longest in Lady Tiger softball history.

"It's just hard to wrap my mind around it right now," said an emotional coach Shannon Wathen after the dust had settled. "I'm excited for the girls, for Campbellsville University, our alumni and everybody that supports Lady Tiger Softball."

CU never trailed, scoring three times in the third, bolstered by Jacqueline Roof's leadoff home run. The Lady Tigers also used run-scoring hits by Kendyl Ahrens and Erin Benton in the inning.

Three of CU's five freshmen starters came up big at the plate. Roof was 2-for-4 with three RBIs and scored twice; Brianna Scott was 2-for-2 with a run scored; and Rebecca Miller, who caught all 19 innings in the two games today, was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

"The freshmen are just fearless," said Wathen. "They, like the rest of the team, just enjoy the moment and stay in the moment. They haven't let it get too big."

A fourth freshman — Neely Quint — won her 19th game in 24 decisions and worked her way around a nine-hitter while striking out two. She stranded nine runners and had the bases loaded with two outs in the third and the fourth innings but worked out of the jam.

"Neely did great, especially after giving up that home run in the first game," said Wathen.

South Carolina Beaufort scored twice in the third and Quint struck out Taylor Tripplet to end that threat. She allowed three on again in the fourth and Kendyl Ahrens made a nice running catch at the warning track off the bat of the Sand Shark's hottest hitter — Maddie Byrd.

Campbellsville put the game out of reach with a four-run fifth, aided by two USC Beaufort errors and three CU hits. Roof's single plated two runs and Rebecca Miller drove in Roof.

Quint allowed a base runner in both the fifth and sixth, but set Beaufort down 1-2-3 in the seventh and then pandemonium broke loose.

Here's what some of the players had to say

"It is truly a blessing to be part of something so great! This is a special group of girls and we have believed in ourselves all year long. Our coaches have been saying all year to enjoy the moment you're in, and love it because we have been working so hard to be there. I wouldn't want to spend it with another group of girls. We are family and we came with our armor on ready for battle today." — Brittany Rippy

"I knew we had a great chance to win this whole tournament. We came together when we really needed to and we fought as one. We went through 12 innings and came through to get the win and then won the championship game 7-2. I didn't have one doubt in us. As a freshman, being a part of this is just unexplainable. I'm glad that I have another week to do amazing things with this team." — Hailey Szpila

"What an awesome time to be a Lady Tiger. Being a part of this team is such an experience! We came together when we needed to be together the most. This season isn't over yet, and I can't wait to continue cheering on my team every step of the way." — Abbey Sheets

"Today was an amazing experience. Being able to come in my freshman year with such a supportive and welcoming group of ladies is unreal. Today we showed just how much we care for each other. We didn't play 19 innings today for ourselves, we played it for the girls beside us who have worked their butts off all year and the girls in year's past that have done the same."— Brianna Scott

"I'm still in a little bit of shock. It feels so good to do what we have been working so hard for. It's even better doing of with this team because we all have roles to fill and jobs to do and we all find a way to make it happen." — Erin Benton

"Today everything fell into place. Every mile we ran, every sprint we did, every 6 a.m. pushed us harder and made us better. When we woke up and got to the park we didn't change anything from our normal routine … because we were approaching today as just another day. We came together when the going got tough, and good things happened. As a senior, it was an amazing day. To see everyone literally giving it their all and leaving it all on the field was amazing! Everyone always wants to give their all, and coaches always preach to give your all, but I've never seen a whole team go out and do it together. I am so blessed and extremely proud to be on this team!" — Ashley Neal

"From the beginning I said there was something different and special about this team. We showed that today. Today wasn't just for us, it is what the past teams worked for as well. They put in the hard work and laid the foundation for us to build on and I'm so glad we could get it done. There's no greater feeling than winning today, it made throwing a 12-inning game feel like nothing. I wouldn't want to go to war with any other team." — Victoria Decker

"Being a senior I have been on three great LTS teams, but there is just something special about this group of girls. We would not be the team we are without each and every girl. Each person knows their role and has stepped up in big situations all year. Also we would not have the opportunities we have had this year without each previous LTS team gaining respect for our program." — Kristin Benton

"This memory is definitely one that will stick with me forever. That feeling you get after you win it all makes it completely worth how hard we've been working. I wouldn't want to experience it with anyone other than my family!" — Reagan Kingrey

"This team is like nothing I've ever been part of before. Every game they go out fighting for the girl next to them, wanting them to succeed as badly as they want themselves to. As a pitcher that's all I could ask for and more behind me. Going to the World Series for the first time in program history is a true testament of the hard work not only that this team put in, but all the members of LTS before us." — Neely Quint

"Winning those games today was amazing. We fought harder in those two games than most people ever have. This team is the definition of a family and we fight for each other. It is a wonderful opportunity and a blessing to be part of something as special as this team. I will always hold those games with me in my heart." — Adrean Jordan

"These last three days have been the craziest days of ball I've ever experienced. We were at the lowest of lows and the highest of highs just today. The fight and heart my teammates have is second to none. Our coaches prepared us better than ever and we stuck with the game plan. Jack had a huge day for us, as did Decker, Neely, and Becca. If you would have asked me in August if I thought a group of freshmen would be leading us to a regional championship, I would've thought you were crazy. But they have carried us further than they will ever know. I've never had the opportunity to win a National Championship, and knowing that it's so close for my teammates and me is so exciting. We have a great group of parents who have supported us from day one. I'll never forget this ride." —Kendyl Ahrens

"This is something I've never experienced before. It's such an amazing feeling! Throughout all the sweat, blood, and tears, we managed to come together at the most important time. This team is very young for the most part, but they act like upperclassman. We stuck together for our coaches, our families, our fans, the alumni and ourselves. This is an opportunity that some teams don't get and we do. I wouldn't want to go to the World Series with anyone else but this group of girls and coaches! We've worked so hard to make it this far and we are not finished yet." — Shelby Ray

"These past few days have me at a loss for words. The fight and determination of this team prevailed through all odds. We weathered every storm thrown our way and sent one right back. The World Series is just going to be another addition to this unforgettable journey with unforgettable people." — Rebecca Miller

"I can honestly say that I have never been part of a team of girls who would do absolutely anything and everything for one another! The past three days have been like a roller coaster, but I wouldn't want to experience it with anyone else but these 19 girls and two very inspirational coaches. I am beyond excited to be heading to Sioux City, Iowa. To be one of the 10 remaining teams is a huge goal of ours. We still have a lot of fight left in us. We're not done yet!" — Destiney Taul

"Being World Series bound with this team feels too good to put into words. From the dreaded 6 a.m.'s, the endless campus miles, and the hundreds of hours we've put in to get to this moment is so worth it. Being one of only 10 teams in the NAIA left playing is something to be most proud of. I couldn't be more proud of everyone for stepping up in any situation thrown at them throughout the season and this week. I can't wait to experience World Series 2015 with these girls." — Kennedy Shutter

"Wow is all i can say. I knew this team was going to be different and do great things. All year long we said "count on me" because we would need everyone to be successful. Today was a true test; we fought and fought and needed everyone and it worked. We came out on top and the feeling we all have is indescribable." — Markie Smith

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