DUE WEST-- In the closest Beville Cup race in the six-year history, Erskine College won the competition Wednesday night in a dramatic softball finale at Smethers Field at Anderson University. Erskine came into the softball doubleheader leading the Cup race, 15-14. With each game of the doubleheader counting 1.5 points each, tensions were high. Anderson overcame a two-run deficit in the final inning of Game 1 to take the lead 15.5-15. The Trojan win set up an exciting ending to the Beville Cup with the winner of Game 2 securing the Cup for their school. The excitement ended early. The Erskine softball team exploded for seven runs in the third inning highlighted by Jocelyn Smith and Courtney Davis home runs as the Fleet pushed the lead to 11-1 after five innings at which time the game was called. Amanda Norton and Lauren Gunter led the Fleet on the mound with stellar pitching in Game 2. Norton pitched into teh 4th before being relieved by Game 1 starter Gunter.

The win gave Erskine the Beville Cup with 16.5 points to Anderson's 15.5. The closest Beville Cup race to date was 2005-2006 when Erskine won the Cup, 18.5-13.5. Anderson won the Cup the last two years, 20-12.

"We are extremely proud and happy for our student-athletes and coaches. This is the first time we have won the Cup with the Beville name on it, so that makes it really special for us. I think the Beville Cup has missed us the last few years and I know it will look forward to coming down Highway 20 back to its natural home in the metropolis of Due West," remarked Erskine Director of Athletics Mark Peeler.

The two schools now have both won the Beville Cup three times in in the six-year history. Despite Anderson University leaving Conference Carolinas after next year, the Beville Cup will continue to be competed for by the two schools. New criteria will soon be determined for 2010-2011.