JACKSON, Miss. - The Berry College softball team dropped an instant classic pitcher's duel 1-0 to the Emory University Eagles to open up play at the Belhaven Regional on Thursday afternoon.

JJ Sweat (13-5) took the loss pitching 6 1/3 innings allowing one run on six hits while walking one and striking out four. Lauren Cothern led the offense going 1-for-3.

It was a pitcher's duel throughout as the game was scoreless through six innings. The Eagles had the best chance to score in the bottom of the fifth as they put a runner on second with two outs. They then got the hit they had been waiting for but Elly Bennett wasn't having it as she gunned down the Eagles runner trying to score to keep the game scoreless.

The Vikings finally got a baserunner in the top of the seventh as Ava Fouts reached on an error. Cothern then followed with a hit to put runners on the corners with one out. The Vikings then loaded the bases with two outs but were unable to get the hit they needed as the game remained scoreless.

Despite great pitching from Sweat throughout the game the Eagles would walk it off in the seventh on a home run as the Vikings fell 1-0.

The Vikings now find themselves in a similar spot to the SAA Championships as they face fourth seeded Westminster in an elimination game on Friday, May 15 at 2:30 PM ET. If they win they will play again against the loser of Belhaven vs Emory at 5:00 PM ET.