The Belhaven softball team opened its spring break trip at The Spring Games in Bartow, Florida, with two victories Wednesday. The Blazers edged Husson 3-2 before defeating Dominican University of Illinois 15-3, improving to 12-6 overall.
In the opener, Belhaven scored two runs in the seventh inning to secure the win over Husson. Both teams were scoreless after one inning. Husson took a 1-0 lead in the second on a fielder’s choice following two walks and a sacrifice bunt. The Blazers responded in the fifth, with Grace Langston tripling and Melissa Lopera singling to tie the game. Husson regained the lead in the same inning before Belhaven rallied in the seventh. Lopera and Reagan Bryan each singled, and Maryanna Guy hit a double to left field, driving in two runs and giving the Blazers a 3-2 lead. Pitcher Karley Rouse shut down Husson in the bottom of the seventh to seal the victory, allowing just three hits and one earned run in six innings of relief, with six strikeouts.
The Blazers carried their momentum into the second game, scoring early and often to beat Dominican 15-3. Belhaven scored four runs in the first inning, highlighted by back-to-back singles from Lopera and Bryan, a passed ball, and a stolen home by Bryan. Kaleigh Steverson added a double, and Gracey Harbour contributed an RBI single. The Blazers extended their lead with a solo home run from Maryanna Guy in the third and a four-run rally later that inning. Dominican responded with a three-run inning in the fourth, but Belhaven answered with a seven-run inning in the bottom of the fourth, featuring multiple RBIs and walks. AR Sharp earned the win, allowing three runs over 3.2 innings, while Harbour struck out three in relief. The team finished with 11 hits, led by Gillihan with two and Moore with three RBIs.
Belhaven is set to continue at The Spring Games Thursday morning with games against Case Western Reserve and Wittenberg, with first pitch at 9 a.m., according to team officials.
