Box Score
FRANKFORT, Ky.- The Belhaven Women's basketball team opened up the 2012 NAIA National Championships, falling to fourth seeded Westminster College of Utah on Wednesday by the final of 75-49. The Blazers finished the 2012 season with an overall record of 26-7 and 16-2 in Southern States Athletic Conference.

Belhaven shot 28.6 percent from the floor in the first half as Westminster connected on 12-28 shots from the field (42 percent), outscoring the Blazers in the half by 12 points. The Blazers looked good in the opening minutes of the contest when senior guard Regena Jackson claimed back to back baskets placing the Blazers in front 9-3. With 6:05 remaining in the half, Westminster heated up by going on a 13-1 run on the strength of back to back field goals by Shelby Ellsworth and a three pointer from Nicole Yazzie. Senior guard Rachenia Powell then cut the deficit to seven with a jumper and in the final seconds of the half, senior forward Jessica Barlow grabbed a steal and set up Jackson for a field goal to put the Blazers back within 12, 31-19 at the halftime break.

The Blazers made a minor push in the first five minutes of the second half, but Westminster never relinquished their double digit lead. Senior Kiara Johnson dropped the lead down to 11 points with a pair of free-throws with 16:55 remaining. Westminster continued to play well in the half shooting 52 percent from the floor while connecting on 12 of 13 free-throws. With 1:28 remaining in the contest, Westminster built a 26 point lead. Though the Blazers fought hard, Westminster was too much gaining a 75-49 win over the Blazers and in the process advanced to the second round of the NAIA National Championships.

Belhaven was led by senior guard Regena Jackson with 15 points and four rebounds as she led the Blazers all season, averaging 24 points per contest. Johnson had a solid showing with 12 points and two assists while Barlow turned in nine points with a team best five rebounds. The Blazers shot 32.8 percent (20-61) for the game while forcing 14 Westminster turnovers.

“This game didn't reflect the season the girls actually had,” said Belhaven Head Coach Billy Evans, “We weren't able to get the shots we wanted and I have to give credit to Westminster and their coaching staff for preparing for us the way they did.” Evans added, “We had a good run and I am proud of the way our girls handled themselves this season through adversity, while managing to gain the second conference championship in school history. I couldn't ask for anything much more.”

Westminster shot 47.2 percent (25 for 53) from the field for the game while producing a free-throw percentage of 93.8 percent (15 for 16). Cydney Tibbitts led the way with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Following Tibbitts was Nicole Yazzie with 18 points and a team high seven assists while Shelby Ellsworth rounded out the double figure scoring with 14 points.

Belhaven finished the season with an overall record of 26-7 while capturing three historic milestones in the school's women's basketball history, Consecutive SSAC West Division Titles, two consecutive National Tournament Appearances and winning the SSAC Conference championship for the first time. It was the team's first conference title since 1982.