JACKSON, Miss. - On Tuesday, a new chapter will begin for Belhaven Baseball, as they begin the NCAA Division III era against Huntingdon.
 
The Blazers, coming off a 33-24 record in 2015, will begin the season on the road for the first time since 2009.
 
"We have had more time to get prepared for a ball game," said head coach Hill Denson. "Usually, when we come back from Christmas break, we have about a week and a half to two weeks to prepare for the season, but we feel good about it and we are ready to play other teams."
 
Belhaven's schedule has 17 of its 40 games at Smith-Wills Stadium. In the last two seasons, the Blazers have played a total of 73 home games.
 
The Blazers will be affiliated with the American Southwest Conference, and they will face eight of the twelve conference opponents this season.
 
A major piece returning for the Blazers in 2016 is Adam Kowalczyk. The senior finished with 14 home runs last season, a school record. He is also the lead returner in RBIs (66), hits (68), doubles (12), slugging percentage (.599) and walks (24).
 
On the mound, Stephen Solomon returns leading the Blazers with a 2.66 earned run average, while posting a 3-0 record in six starts.
 
Tanner Moulder returns leading the team in innings pitched at 52 and 2/3 innings as well as strikeouts with 29. He served different roles last season from short relief to long relief to making spot starts if needed.
 
Zach Osha will anchor the closer role for the Blazers after moving into that role midway through last season. He finished with nine saves last season, eighth-best in Belhaven history.
 
Terrell Hodges was named to the ASC Preseason Watch List as one of 13 position players. Hodges will cover the outfield in his first season with the Blazers, as he comes to Belhaven from Holmes Community College. In two seasons with the Bulldogs, the Brandon, Mississippi native had a .296 batting average (59-for-199) with four home runs and 36 RBIs. On the basepaths, Hodges also stole 31 bases in 34 attempts.
 
Tanner Cable was selected as one of 13 pitchers to the ASC Preseason Watch List. The Southaven, Mississippi native comes to Belhaven from Delta State, where he made five appearances for the Statesmen. Prior to his time at Delta State, the right-hander won 10 games for the Rangers of Northwest Mississippi Community College in two seasons. During his time at Northwest, the Toronto Blue Jays drafted him in the 26th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft.
 
The Blazers' first eight games will be on the road, and it will begin on Tuesday when the Green and Gold travel to Montgomery to take on Huntingdon. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Neil Posey Field, and the game will be broadcast on the Blazers Sports Network.