| Photo Gallery (Courtesy of Carl Lewis)

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- After suffering a one-run loss Friday morning, April 15, Ferrum College reeled off six straight to win the 2016 USA South Softball Tournament. The Panthers had to beat Averett University twice in the championship series, grinding out a 3-2 win then blasting the Cougars 10-1.

Ferrum Scores
Fri, April 15: Averett 3, Ferrum 2; Ferrum 7, William Peace 5
Sat, April 16: Ferrum 4, NC Wesleyan 3; Ferrum 7, Greensboro 2
Sun, April 16: Ferrum 5, Maryville 1; Ferrum 3, Averett 2; Ferrum 10, Averett 1 (5 inn)

In the final game of the tournament against Averett, Ferrum scored eight runs in the bottom of the third inning. Tournament MVP Cheyenne Strickland started things off when she sent a 1-1 pitch over the left field fence for a three-run homer. The Cougars never recovered after that, as Ferrum piled on five more runs before the frame was done for an 8-0 lead after three full innings. The game was halted due to the run rule after five innings. Strickland went 3-4 in the title game with the home run, two runs and three RBI.

Joining Strickland on the All-Tournament Team were designated player Amanda Roberts, who pitched the entire final game and allowed just four hits to improve to 11-7 this season. Also earning All-Tournament honors were catcher Sarah Bowman, second baseman Heather Mayberry, outfielder Lindsey Slover and pitcher Courtney Rudd.

In the first game Sunday against Averett, Rudd pitched all seven innings, striking out seven batters. Ferrum led 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning when Averett loaded the bases with two outs. Rudd then coaxed Jessica Griffin into a ground out to end the game, and the Panthers rushed the field in celebration of the program's fourth USA South Tournament title in school history.

Coach Gerald Culler's team claimed the USA South automatic qualifier into the NCAA Division III Tournament. This is Ferrum's fourth post-season appearance (2002, 2005, 2012, 2016). Culler is in his first season as head coach after spending three seasons as assistant coach. NCAA Regional locations will be announced soon.

All-Tournament Team
DP - Amanda Roberts, Ferrum
C - Sarah Bowman, Ferrum
1B - Jessica Griffin, Averett
2B - Heather Mayberry, Ferrum
3B - Andrea Grant, Averett
SS - Cheyenne Strickland, Ferrum (MVP)
OF - Savannah Cook, Maryville
OF - Lindsey Slover, Ferrum
OF - Jessica McMahan, Maryville
P - Mary Beth Smith, Averett
P - Courtney Rudd, Ferrum