JACKSON, Miss. – The Millsaps softball team (19-12, 8-4 SAA) fell to Berry (28-10, 13-2 SAA) in a three-game series, but bested the Vikings for the first time since 2022 over the weekend.

During Senior Day on Saturday, the Vikings claimed a 7-1 win in Game One before the Majors stood their ground and secured a 7-3 triumph in Game Two.

In Game Three, the Majors fought hard but were bettered 9-1 in a challenging matchup at the Millsaps College Softball Complex on Sunday.

The Majors also recognized seniors Cassidy Cannella, Alli Nolen and Kinsey Smith for their incredible hard work and dedication throughout their time at Millsaps.


Game 1: 7-1, L

Berry first baseman Lauren Cothern recorded three home runs in Game One to help better the Majors, 7-1 in Game One.

Freshman Brynn Arena (one run) batted 2-for-3, while Smith (RBI double) and sophomore Kadence Cannon (stolen base) both recorded one hit for Millsaps.

Sophomore Allana Vasquez recorded seven strikeouts inside the circle in seven innings pitched.

In the bottom of the second inning, Millsaps took an early 1-0 lead after Smith smashed a double to right field to bring Arena home.

After a strong start by the Majors, Berry tied the contest at 1-1 in the top of the third frame with a double and pair of wild pitches.

The Vikings would attack the Majors once more in the top of the fourth inning with a solo home run to take a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings, freshman Kirsten Gilchrist (walk) and Cannon both recorded stolen bases to try keep the team's momentum going.

However, Berry reacted with a three-run home run in the sixth and two-run homer in the seventh to extend their advantage to 7-1.

In the bottom of the seventh frame, Arena singled hit for the Majors before Berry would put Game One to rest with a pop out and a ground out.


Game 2: 7-3, W

The Majors answered with an impressive win in Game Two on Saturday, which was their first win over Berry since April 9, 2022.

Freshman Hailey Peterson (RBI, stolen base), Vasquez (season-high four RBIs) and Nolen all batted 2-for-4.

Arena (run), Smith (RBI, run) and Cannon (two runs, hit by pitch) each recorded a hit against the Vikings in Game Two.

Peterson pitched all seven innings in the circle, striking out two batters and no walks, while allowing five hits and just three runs.

The teams would remain scoreless into the top of the fourth inning. Berry grabbed a 2-0 lead with a double down the left line and an RBI ground out.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Millsaps came alive as Vasquez singled to center field to score both Cannon and sophomore Ella Morgan Sears to make it a 2-2 draw. Cannon reached with a single and Sears made it on base with an infield error.

Berry reclaimed their lead at 3-2 in the sixth after a ground out brought a Viking home from third base.

Millsaps replied once more with five runs off five hits in the bottom of the seventh frame.

Smith got the scoring started with a single up the middle and scored Gilchrist to tie the contest at 3-3.

Millsaps would continue to bring the heat after Sears reached first base on a fielder's choice to bring Arena home and put the Majors ahead for the first time in Game Two.

In the same inning, a single by Peterson sent Smith toward the final base to continue the attack.

Minutes later, Vasquez blasted a single to right field to score both Cannon and Sears and wear down the Vikings, 7-3.

In the top of the seventh inning, Millsaps erased the Vikings off the base paths on a double play. Cannon tagged one runner attempting to make it to second base before tossing the ball over to Smith.

Peterson captured a pop up with her glove on the final play to help triumph past the Vikings, 7-3 on Saturday.


Game 3: 9-1, L (5 Inn.)

Berry captured the series and secured the No. 1 seed in the SAA Softball Championship with a 9-1 decision in five innings on Sunday.

Sears batted 2-for-3 and registered a double against the Vikings. Nolen (run) and Arena (RBI double) both recorded one hit to close out the series on Sunday.

Vasquez pitched the final two innings in scoreless fashion where she struck out two batters against one hit inside the circle.

In the top of the first inning, Cothern got the ball rolling for the Vikings by blasting a three-run homer to give Berry a 3-0 lead. 
 
An Arena double would later bring Nolen home to put Majors on the board at 3-1 in the second frame. 
 
However, Berry extended their advantage to 9-1 in the third inning with six runs off six hits and two errors. 

The Vikings triumphed in the bottom of the fifth inning by putting the rule-rule into effect and claim the series on Sunday.

The Majors will be back in action to face Hendrix on the road in a doubleheader, beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday. Live video and live stats will be available at gomajors.com.


To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Millsaps College softball program follow the Majors on X and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook or visit gomajors.com.     
 
Founded in Jackson, Mississippi in 1890, Millsaps College is a national liberal arts college dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of our region. Consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education, Millsaps has been praised by Colleges That Change Lives, The Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, The John Templeton Foundation, and The Fiske Guide to Colleges.