Hattiesburg, Miss.- Blue Mountain Christian put together an early offensive surge and carried momentum deep into the game, but William Carey Crusaders used a late push to edge the Toppers, 12-8, in Friday's season finale.
The Toppers struck first in a big way in the second inning, using a grand slam to build an early 4-0 lead. 
Blue Mountain Christian continued to apply pressure in the fifth, with Trace Roy delivering a two-RBI single to score Ross Polizzi and Cody Presley, extending the advantage to 6-0.
William Carey answered in the bottom half of the fifth with a series of runs to close the gap to 6-3, but the Toppers responded again in the sixth. 
Polizzi drove in Jacob Bryant on a fielder's choice, pushing the lead to 7-3 before the Crusaders added a run on a sacrifice fly.
In the seventh, Blue Mountain Christian added another run as Reise Thomas lined an RBI single to center field, scoring Jarrett Morris to make it 8-4.
At the plate, the Toppers produced 11 hits on the day, led by Morris' perfect 3-for-3 performance with two runs scored. 
Roy added two hits and two RBIs, while Cody Presley recorded a multi-hit game with a double. The early offensive rhythm helped Blue Mountain Christian build its advantage across multiple innings.
On the mound, Chris Matthews provided the start, working 4.1 innings while allowing just two earned runs. 
Caleb Hall followed with 2.2 innings in relief, as the Toppers turned to multiple arms down the stretch.
William Carey mounted its rally in the eighth inning, capitalizing on a series of opportunities to plate eight runs and take the lead.
Despite the late swing, Blue Mountain Christian showcased consistent offensive production throughout the lineup, generating scoring in four different innings and delivering a competitive performance against a nationally ranked opponent to close the season. 
The Toppers are grateful for their seniors and the investment, leadership, and effort they poured into the 2026 season.
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