JACKSON, Miss. – The Belhaven softball team split a Tuesday exhibition doubleheader with Jackson State University, falling 4-3 before taking the nightcap by a final of 1-0. After adding a win and a loss to their record, the Tigers now stand at 4-4 on the season.

(Box Score Game 1 Box Score Game 2)
Five Blazers recorded hits in the first game, highlighted by a 2 for 3 effort from sophomore Haley Yasses. Denee' Crawford, Emily Todd, and Dominique Corona drove in a run apiece in the loss.

Shelby Watson received the start in the pitching circle for Belhaven, hurling the entire game. She allowed four runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out two.

Chelsea Smith highlighted Jackson State's day at the plate, hitting a perfect 3 for 3 while driving in a run. Kelsey Townsend picked up the victory in the circle, lasting six innings and allowing three runs before turning things over to the Tiger bullpen.

"Shelby mixed her pitches well and really gave us a chance to win the first game," Head Coach Kevin Griffin said. "We hit several balls hard, but I have to give credit to Jackson State's defense."

The nightcap saw the Blazers salvage a split with Crawford leading the way offensively. The 2013 All-American went 2 for 3 at the plate, while Mandy Fuller drove in the game's lone run.

Victoria Nelson and Lauren Aikens each recorded multi-hit ballgames, but the Tigers were unable to record their second victory of the day.

Belhaven senior Ginger Lonergan maintained the complete game shutout, despite allowing nine hits. Additionally, she walked four and struck out two batters, besting JSU's Breea Jamerson. Jamerson allowed just three hits but walked five and fanned three.

"Ginger battled through some tough situations all night and made pitch after pitch to get us out of jams," Griffin said. "Mandy Fuller hasn't got an opportunity to play much this year, but she came up with a big hit in a tense moment that ultimately won the game for us."

The Blazers hit the road this weekend to take part in the Alabama Arctic Blast Tournament in Decatur, Alabama. Their first game will be against Campbellsville University, and first pitch is slated for 5:00 pm on Thursday.

"This weekend will be a big test for our team because we will face four teams that are nationally ranked," Griffin said. "This tournament could really springboard us to a great year."