Misenheimer, N.C. — The Southern Virginia University softball team wrapped up its 2026 season at the USA South Conference Tournament.
The Knights posted an impressive showing in the tournament, earning their second straight season with a tournament victory by defeating Salem College 9-1.
Southern Virginia opened the tournament with a hard-fought battle against Greensboro College. Despite a strong pitching effort from Malia Stauffer and Addalyn Burch, who combined to allow just one run over six innings, the Knights fell just short in a 0-1 loss. Southern Virginia managed only three hits in the contest.
The Knights bounced back in their second game of the day with a convincing 9-1 victory over Salem College. Berkeley Whitten and Sophia Badell each homered, while Grace Norman recorded two doubles. Eliza Patterson, Norman, Badell, and Whitten all had multiple hits in the game. Addalyn Burch earned the win on the mound, throwing four innings, and Abby Southern closed out the final inning.
Southern Virginia's season came to an end against host Pfeiffer University, as the Knights fell to the top-seeded Falcons 9-3 despite a competitive effort.
The 2026 campaign saw the Knights set several new program records. Head coach Tiffane Pendleton earned her 100th career victory, becoming the winningest coach in program history. Berkeley Whitten set a new single-season program record with 14 home runs. The team also set a program record for home runs in a single game during a 17-6 regular-season win over Salem College.
With several freshmen stepping into significant roles this season, the Knights are poised to build on their momentum and establish themselves as a consistent competitor in the conference for the years ahead.
For the latest updates on Southern Virginia University softball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_softball on Instagram.
