JACKSON, Miss. – The Belhaven University Women's Basketball team gave
Steve Calder a victory in his first game as head coach Saturday afternoon, defeating Pensacola Christian College 73-39 in the season opener for both programs.
After a tight game through the first eight minutes, Belhaven pulled away with a 30-9 run over the final 12 minutes of the first half, carrying a 44-22 lead into the break.
Kayla Campora and
Jacinda Smith led the way for the Blazers in the first half, as the duo each scored eight points.
Campora would go on to score 12 points in the game, one of three Blazers in double figures.
Ariel Wilson, who had seven in the first half, added 16 more in the second to finish with 13.
"I'm really excited about getting the first win," said Calder. "The ladies played really well tonight. We executed on the offensive and defensive ends."
In the second half, the Green and Gold cruised, outscoring the Eagles 29-17.
Tashayla Steede scored eight second half points to go along with her six from the first half to lead all players in scoring with 14. Steede would also lead the Blazers in steals, finishing the contest with four.
The Blazers chipped in offensively and defensively as 10 different Blazers had at least one steal and 10 different Blazers scored in the game. All 12 players for Belhaven in the game had at least two rebounds.
Kelly Gavin led all Blazers with seven rebounds in the game.
Belhaven out-rebounded Pensacola Christian 49-37. The Blazers finished with 23 offensive rebounds in the game and 26 defensive boards. Belhaven also had 19 steals, a part of 25 turnovers by the Eagles.
"Our defense was pretty stellar tonight," said Calder. "To force 25 turnovers leads to a lot of offense. I'm very pleased with how it went tonight."
Spreading the ball around, seven Blazers had at least one assist in the contest. Campora led the way with six and Wilson finished with five.
The Blazers will return to action next Saturday with its first road game of the season, a non-conference battle with Point University in Georgia.
