DECATUR, Ala. – A solo homer and a gem of a pitching performance gave Faulkner a 1-0 victory over Brewton-Parker in the opening round of the SSAC Softball Championship Thursday.

Kendall Bennett hit a 1-1 pitch over the fence in right-center to give Faulkner the lead. Jeri Beasley proceeded to deal from the circle, retiring the first nine batters she faced before Abby Cox singled in the top of the fourth. Beasley then put away the next six Baron batters before a hit-by-pitch in the top of the sixth. Brewton-Parker got a runner into scoring position for the first time when Mackenzie Tripp doubled in the top of the seventh. Beasley then induced a grounder and a fly ball to end the game.

Beasley (8-3) lowered her season ERA to 2.07 with her ninth complete game of the year. She struck out four while allowing two hits and walking no one.

Faulkner's offense managed just one hit after the Bennett blast, an infield single off the bat of Taylor Eddy. Rebecca Eddins proved formidable in her own right for Brewton-Parker, working six innings of no-walk softball while scattering two hits and fanning four.  

Faulkner (29-14) resumes play in the double elimination tournament Friday at 10 a.m. when it takes on Mobile.