Historic Run Sends Richard Bland Softball to First-Ever NJCAA Division II World Series

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The Richard Bland College Softball team made history this weekend, capturing the Atlantic B District Championship and earning the program's first-ever berth to the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series after defeating Mercer County Community College in a dramatic three-game series at home.

The Statesmen opened the series on Friday with a dominant 2-0 shutout victory behind another stellar performance from sophomore pitcher Ava Balli. Richard Bland limited Mercer County to just three hits while striking out 11 batters in the win. Offensively, the Statesmen manufactured runs when it mattered most. Kamryn Lane drove in the game's first run with a sacrifice fly, while Grace Urban added another RBI sac fly later in the contest. Rayna Klar tripled and scored, while Gabby Shaver reached base twice and scored a run in the victory.

Mercer County Community College answered in game two with a 3-8 win to force a winner-take-all third game. Despite the loss, Richard Bland continued to battle offensively with hits from Klar, Shaver, Claudia Minetree, and Samantha Barbe, while Barbe added an RBI double.

With a trip to the national tournament on the line Saturday, the Statesmen delivered one of the biggest wins in program history with a thrilling 6-5 extra-inning victory in game three. Richard Bland jumped out early, scoring in the first inning before adding single runs in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Mercer County responded with a four-run fourth inning to take the lead, but the Statesmen continued to answer throughout the game. Minetree sparked the offense by scoring three runs and stealing two bases, while Barbe delivered a clutch RBI double. Urban drove in two runs, and Klar added a RBI sacrifice fly. The Statesmen showed tremendous aggressiveness on the basepaths, stealing six bases in the victory. In the circle, Richard Bland used a team effort to secure the championship. Balli got the start before Urban provided relief innings. Emma Shelhorse came through in a massive moment, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings to close out the game and preserve the championship victory.

Richard Bland finished the weekend by winning two of three games against a talented Mercer County squad and now advances to the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series for the first time in school history. The tournament will take place at Tyger River Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina, May 19^th-24^th.The Statesmen will await official seeding and bracket information for the national tournament in the coming days.

For the full schedule and updates visit https://www.rbcathletics.com/sports/sball/2025-26/schedule or follow @rbcsoftball on social media.