JACKSON — Belhaven Softball won both games of a doubleheader against Piedmont on Saturday, remaining undefeated in conference play. The Blazers secured an 8-2 victory in the first game and a 7-1 win in the second at McLeod Field.
In the opener, Belhaven’s offense was dominant early, scoring four runs in the second inning. RBI doubles from Maddie Bruner and Liberty Gillihan, along with an RBI single from Grace Langston and another run-scoring hit by Melissa Lopera, gave the Blazers a 4-0 lead. Piedmont responded with two runs in the third, but Belhaven responded quickly. Bruner doubled in another run in the third, and Reagan Bryan hit a two-run home run in the fourth to extend the lead to 7-2. Gillihan added a second RBI double in the fifth. Ellie Williamson led the offense with a 3-for-3 performance. Karley Rouse earned the win, allowing two runs over five innings, with relievers Laura Beth Nesmith and AR Sharp closing out the game.
Belhaven carried its momentum into the second game, scoring early and capitalizing on Piedmont errors. Maryanna Guy hit a two-run home run in the third to put the Blazers ahead 2-0. Piedmont responded with a solo homer in the fourth, but Belhaven answered in the bottom half, with Lauren Dunbar driving in a run on a sacrifice fly. The Blazers broke the game open in the fifth, scoring four runs on an Ellie Williamson double and defensive errors that allowed multiple runners to score. Macy Funderburk pitched 2.2 scoreless innings to earn the win in relief, and the team held Piedmont to just one run overall.
Belhaven is set to travel to Tennessee next weekend for a conference game against Maryville. For updates on the Blazers, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like the team on Facebook. Fans can also support Belhaven athletics through Team Green Giving.
