JACKSON, Miss. - The 2016-17 season began in the right direction for the Belhaven women's basketball team, defeating the Millsaps Lady Majors, 72-68, Wednesday night inside Rugg Arena. 

"Tonight was a team win," said head coach Steve Calder. "Everybody played and worked hard, and everybody played as one unit, which is something we have been trying to do during our preseason."

After the Blazers got out to an early 3-2 lead with 7:19 left in the opening quarter, the Majors took off for an 11-4 run for the early lead. However, the Green and Gold chipped away and fought with the Majors until the midway point of the second quarter, where the Blazers regained the lead at 26-24, and did not give it up until the final minute of the game. 

Millsaps tied the game at 68 with a minute left in regulation, but the Green and Gold's defense held in check and did not let the Majors offense score for the rest of the game. 

In the middle quarters, the Blazers outscored the Majors, 45-33, including a 21-12 second quarter. 

Candler Gregory led the Blazers (1-0) with 14 points, while collecting four rebounds and two blocks. 

Tajee Harper totaled 13 points for the Blazers off the bench. Along with her six rebounds and two steals, the Jackson, Miss. native was a perfect 5-for-5 from the charity stripe. 

Kelsey Brown drained four 3-pointers, totaling 12 points in 17 minutes off the bench.

Vamikka Smith led the Blazers on the glass with eight boards, while scoring five points. 

Samara Dingiswayo dished out the most dimes in the win, totaling three, while earning six points and rebounds each. 

The only double-double of the contest belonged to the Majors' Kala-Jewel Freeman, who scored a game-high 25 points and collected 10 boards. 

The Blazers will continue their three-game homestand on Saturday with a contest against Rhodes. Tip off is slated for 2 p.m. inside Rugg Arena. 

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