Box Score JACKSON, Miss. – The Belhaven volleyball team (6-14, 1-7 SSAC) picked up their first Southern States Athletic Conference victory on Friday night by defeating Martin Methodist (2-13, 0-7 SSAC). The Blazers took the match in four sets with final set scores of 25-12, 20-25, 25-20, and 26-24.

"We've been looking hard for that first conference win, and this was one of the best offensive outings we have had," Head Coach Justin Dee said. "Martin Methodist had some unbelievable athletes, but we just got a huge monkey off of our back."

While Brett Peveto's 11 kills proved good enough for team best, the home team spread the ball around well offensively. Jackie Gunderson and Brittany Ammons each added ten, while Taylor Hall chimed in eight of her own.

"It's always part of the game plan to spread the ball around, but that's not always easy to do," Dee said. "Gabe {Zorzoli} and Mallory {Church} were filling in for our regular setter, and they came up huge for us."

Zorzoli led the Blazers in assists with 27, while Church contributed 16 more. Defensively for the home team, Katherine Owen tallied a team high 26 digs, while Gunderson added 14.

Gloria Watson paced the Redhawks' offense with 20 kills, aided largely by Sophia Paes' team-high 23 assists. The Blazers found the magic behind the service line, however, and the visitors were unable to overcome 19 aces.

"Our service efficiency was something we wanted to work on coming into this game, and it led to a great result for us," Dee said. "The girls were able to put the ball where I asked them to, serve aggressively, and keep the ball in."

Belhaven returns to SSAC play on Saturday, when they will play host to Bethel University (TN). The match is set to begin at 1:00 pm at Rugg Arena.