MISENHEIMER, N.C. | The Meredith College softball team saw its strong USA South Tournament run come to a close Saturday afternoon following a 9-1 loss to top seeded Pfeiffer University in the Semifinals of the USA South Tournament. The contest, which began Saturday but was halted after just one minute due to thunderstorms, resumed Sunday at Jack Ingram Field under humid, overcast skies.

QUOTING HEAD COACH KIM SCAVONE:
"The team had a strong finish to the season.  With the huge loss of Lillie Davis due to injury, I was very proud to see how the team responded to fill that gap.  Our offense stayed strong throughout the tournament, and we saw great pitching performances from freshmen Kaylee Manning.  Overall the 2025 season was one to remember, and we will be forever grateful for the dedication, loyalty and talent of our three 5th years and five graduates." 

Meredith (20-22) managed six hits on the day but was unable to keep pace with the powerful Falcons (33-7), who plated seven runs over the first two innings. Pfeiffer used an early offensive surge and a dominant performance from ace Emma Bullin to secure the victory and advance to the Championship series against NC Wesleyan.

The Falcons capitalized on early opportunities, striking for three runs in the bottom of the first. Meredith starter Emily Dorsey (1-3) allowed three runs—two unearned—before being lifted. Pfeiffer added four more in the second, highlighted by a two-run home run from Gracie Griffin and RBI singles from Landry Stewart and Charly Cooper, pushing the lead to 7-0.

Meredith's lone run came in the third inning, when Savannah Talley drove in Mia Staggs on a single to right-center. However, that would be all for the Avenging Angels' offense, as Bullin (27-4) remained composed in the circle, scattering six hits while striking out three and allowing no earned runs.

Pfeiffer closed the game in the fifth with a two-run double from Cooper.

Offensively, Meredith was led by Avery Puryear's 2-for-3 outing, while Talley collected the lone RBI. Staggs, Standridge, Bell, and Spangenburg also recorded hits in the season finale.

Pfeiffer's lineup featured multi-hit games from Stewart (3-for-4, 2 R, RBI), Griffin (2-for-2, HR, 2 RBI), and Cooper (1-for-3, 3 RBI), with five stolen bases spread across their aggressive baserunning corps.

With the loss, Meredith's season comes to a close. Congrats to the team on a great season!