Virginia Wesleyan is the top ranked softball team in Division III, but the Marlins had to battle to win last weekend’s Old Dominion Athletic Conference tournament at the James I. Moyer Complex.

On Friday, it looked like the nation’s top-ranked team might be headed for an early exit following an opening round loss. Virginia Wesleyan University certainly did not buy into that predicted outcome as the Marlins pulled off six straight victories in elimination games, including two triumphs on Sunday afternoon over Emory & Henry College to earn the program’s 11th overall and third straight ODAC softball trophy.

Tournament Most Outstanding Player Hanna Hull and first-year righty Carla Hall combined to allow one hit over 14 innings against the Wasps on Sunday as the Marlins swept the Wasps, 1-0 and 6-0. With the win the Wasps earn an automatic entry into the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Roanoke College went two-and-out in the tournament, losing 6-5 to Emory & Henry in the first round. The Maroons were then eliminated by Virginia Wesleyan in the second round, 8-0.

The Maroons finished 24-18 on the season.