Alabaster, AL. – The MMI softball team claimed their first ACCC (NJCAA Region 22) Championship, defeating Bevill State Community College in the "if" game Sunday afternoon, 12-8. Marion will host the NJCAA Region 8 champions, St. Johns River, for a best 2-of-3 series this Friday and Saturday with the winner advancing to the World Series in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Bevill State got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the second inning, scoring three runs.

In the top of the third the Tigers from Marion Military took the lead, 5-3, scoring five runs on five hits. Katie Hopson's single scored two of the runs.

Marion added two more runs in the top of the fifth inning on a homerun to right field off the bat of freshman first baseman Destiny Brashears.

Sophomore pitcher Emily Rice earned the win from the circle for MMI.  She allowed seven hits, four runs and three walks with three strikeouts. Haylie Lee worked 1.2 innings in relief.  Rice was named the ACCC Tournament MVP.

Brashears finished with a team high six RBI on three hits: a double and two homeruns. Nichole Dockery added three hits, including a double and a homerun with two runs scored and an RBI. Veronica Ward, Marion's catcher, came up big in the game when inserted into the batting lineup. She went 3-for-3 with two RBI.

Also getting hits in the win were Carlie Blanton (1-for-3, 3R, 2BB), Katie Hopson (2-for-5, 3R, 2RBI), Emily Rice (2-for-4), Alexandra Gray (1-for-3, RBI, BB), and Kyren Damon (1-for-4, R).

Making the ACCC/NJCAA Region 22 All-Tournament Team were: Emily Rice (MVP), Nichole Dockery, Carlie Blanton, and Destiny Brashears