JACKSON, Miss.- The Belhaven Women's Basketball team went wire to wire with the Berea Mountaineers on Senior Day, but came up just short by a 67-61 final score.

The Blazers stuck with Berea, who are undefeated in conference play, in the opening minutes of action by playing stout defense and crisp offense. In the second quarter, the Mountaineers pulled ahead with a 29-20 lead. Belhaven went on to make a strong comeback as Hayle Poindexter capped the opening half with a shot at the buzzer to cut the visitor's lead to four at the break. 

The back and forth affair continued in the third quarter with neither side pulling ahead by more than nine. Belhaven remained within touching distance as Ebony Gayden converted on a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 49-43 as they entered the fourth. Belhaven was not able to get a quick start in the final quarter as Berea extended their lead to 12 with an 8-0 run.

Belhaven continued to show grit as Kourtne Lee drilled a three to get the deficit back within single digits at the 6:15 mark but the final push wasn't enough as the visitors hung on for the win. 

Ebony Gayden delivered with another impressive performance on senior day by leading Belhaven in scoring 24 points with an efficient 10-11 day from the free throw line. Gayden also grabbed seven rebounds. Xhiir Burgess had a near double-double as the Mississippi native scored 13 points and pulled down nine rebounds. 

The Blazers will wrap up their regular season this upcoming week on their road trip as they travel to Georgia to face Agnes Scott on Friday February 16 at 5:30 PM. Following the conclusion of the regular season, Belhaven will await their fate and potential seeding in the CCS tournament. 

For the latest news on Belhaven Blazers athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. To support Belhaven Athletics check out Team Green Giving.