Winthrop secured a spot in the championship game of the 2026 Big South Conference after defeating Gardner-Webb 9-2, despite losing earlier to USC Upstate 4-1. The Eagles' victory underscores their strong performance, making it the third consecutive year advancing to this stage. Key player contributions came from Tia Beckham and Annelisa Winebarger, who both homered during the day. Winthrop's pitching was bolstered by Lonna Addison's complete game against Gardner-Webb, marking a significant win for the program.

By the Numbers
  • Winthrop's record stands at 30-22 overall and 13-4 in Big South play.
  • Tia Beckham recorded 5 RBIs against Gardner-Webb, leading the Eagles in the game.
  • Lonna Addison secured her 19th win of the season, the highest for Winthrop since 2008.
  • Winthrop has recorded 30 wins this season for the first time since 2019.
State of Play
  • The Eagles have reached the championship game three consecutive years.
  • Winthrop's players Beckham and Winebarger have tied for the fourth most homers in a season (11 each).
  • Three Eagles players have over 40 RBIs this season, a feat not reached since 2007.
What's Next

Winthrop will face USC Upstate again on Saturday, May 9, needing to win twice to clinch the championship title. Their previous matchup saw the Eagles struggle, but they will look to leverage their recent momentum against Gardner-Webb.

Bottom Line

The Eagles are poised for a challenging championship game, needing to overcome USC Upstate after a recent defeat. The team's depth in batting and a standout pitching performance might be key to achieving their first title in several years.