Box Score vs SUNO    Box Score vs Rust
JACKSON, Miss. – The Belhaven Volleyball team completed an impressive first day on the court as the hosts of the Belhaven Classic. They rolled to 4-1 on the season after not dropping a set in two matches against Rust College and Southern University-New Orleans on Friday.
 
Despite not surrendering a set in their first matchup versus SUNO, the team came out at a sluggish pace and committed a few errors to begin the match. Neither team made any kind of substantial run to take control of the lead. Belhaven never trailed in the first set however and finished off the Lady Knights by a close score of 25-23.
 
After switching sides the Blazers came out strong behind the performances of Sam O'Malley and Natalie Davis up front. O'Malley and Davis each finished off 11 passes from Erin Bradley for a total of 22 kills between the two seniors.
 
Every time Belhaven put a string of points together, the Lady Knights would answer with a few of their own. The Blazers were able to take the final two points of the set for a 27-25 win after the Knights forced the first tie of the match at 25.
 
Back on the home side the Belhaven squad was able to keep the Lady Knights at arms length, never letting them get within four points after the big lead had been established.
 
A five-hour layover in between matches could have given the excuse for the Blazers to come out flat. Instead the team came out pumping on all cylinders, fueled by a packed crowd in Rugg Arena.
 
Trying out a new lineup, including transfer Brittany Ammons and senior Lauren Zell, the Blazers raced out to a lead against Rust College and never looked back.
 
Zell and O'Malley pounded the Bearcats with 16 combined kills and Bradley chipped in another 20 assists towards her record-breaking pace.
 
The Blazers won the first two sets going away 25-9 and 25-14, striking the Bearcats before they knew what had happened. Rust was able to settle down in the third set, but it was already too late. The Blazers were able to contain the late rally for 25-19 clinching set win.
 
After a fantastic first day it was all high fives and smiles for the Blazers in their post-game huddle. Head Coach Jordan Lay described the performance as “incredible” and “the best he's seen the team play together.”
 
Belhaven returns to action in a busy Saturday on campus at noon against Pensacola Christian College.