BROWNWOOD, TEXAS - Belhaven University softball narrowly defeated Howard Payne 2-1 Saturday afternoon in Brownwood, Texas, completing the series sweep of the Yellow Jackets.

Today's game was clearly a pitcher's duel as both teams were held scoreless until the sixth inning, and Belhaven (13-19) pitcher Taylor Surrento tossed a no-hitter through the first 5.1 innings.

The Blazers scored the first run of the game in the top of the sixth. Makayla Reed led off the inning with a walk, and proceeded to steal second to give Belhaven a runner in scoring position with no outs. Cassidy Blount then singled to move Reed up to third. Reed would then come home to score on a Howard Payne fielding error.

Kyra Chapa was hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom half of the sixth, and two batters later Tayler Rushing tripled to center for the first Howard Payne hit of the game, making the score even at 1-1. 

Kaitlyn Blubaugh and Reed singled in the top of the seventh to put runners on first and second with two down, and Savannah Lyon delivered an RBI single up the middle to plate Blubaugh and give the Green and Gold a 2-1 lead. 

Surrento retired the Howard Payne side in order in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win for the Blazers. 

Surrento earns the win, her seventh of the season, surrendering just two hits while striking out five batters. 

Reed and Blubaugh collected two hits each, while Lyon, Blount and Surrento added one hit apiece. 

Up next, Belhaven returns home to host LeTourneau University for a three-game series April 13-14. The series begins with a single game Thursday at 3 p.m., and concludes with doubleheader action Friday at 12 p.m. 

For the latest news on Belhaven Blazers athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.