Columbus, GA-The Belhaven softball team will open the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament against Lee University at South Commons Park in Columbus, GA Thursday afternoon. The Blazers, ranked 8th in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, are the number two seed out of the West Division and enter the tournament with an overall record of 40-10 and 12-8 in conference play. Lee is 26-14 overall and finished third in the east with a record of 17-8.

Belhaven is led by Christina Jaques, Annalee Carr and CeCee Austin who all have over 40 runs batted in this season. Jaques paces the team in batting average hitting .437 on the year with eight home runs and 44 runs batted in. Jaques has also stolen 38 bases in 43 attempts. Austin holds the team lead in RBI's with 48 and has nine home runs in 2011. Carr leads Belhaven in home runs with 13 and has 46 RBI's.

In the circle, Sarah Burns has posted some outstanding numbers with a record of 26-7 and an ERA of 1.25. Burns has worked in 202 innings and has struck out 202 opposing hitters. Opponents are batting just .181 against her this season.

Lee University is led at the dish by Danielle Balough who has 10 home runs and 44 runs batted in. Balough is hitting at a .400 clip this season. Ana Coscorrosa owns a .430 batting average with five home runs and 31 RBI's while Hernanza Ruiz boasts a .474 batting average with three home runs and 26 runs batted in. Balough is also the Flames leader in the circle and has a record of 15-8 with an ERA of 2.23. She has worked 144.2 innings and has 83 strikeouts.

For the latest news and up to date information on Belhaven's run in the SSAC tournament fans can visit the tournament page by clicking here. Thursday's game with Lee is scheduled to get underway at 1:00 PM.