JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven Softball team had a successful start to the 2024 season on Tuesday as they picked up a doubleheader sweep of Centenary to open up the new campaign. The Blazers took down Centenary 6-0 in the first game of the day and followed that up with a 7-3 win in game two.

GAME ONE

The first game of the day was a dominant one for the Blazers who wasted no time in grabbing their first shutout win of the season. Kennedy Carruth had a sparkling season opener going the distance with a complete game shutout and nine strikeouts.

The Blazers picked up the two opening runs on an RBI hit from Katie Jo Richardson in the bottom of the 3rd inning and then added three more in the following frame with Richardson delivering her second big hit of the day. Allie Gordon tacked on an RBI double in the 5th inning for good measure as the Blazers cruised to the win.

Notable Performances

Kennedy Carruth (W, 1-0): 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 9 K
Katie Jo Richardson: 3-4, 2B, 4 RBI
Allie Gordon: 2-4, 2B, RBI

GAME TWO

In the second game of the day, Taylor Heaton got the start in the circle for the Blazers and kept the Centenary bats in check while Belhaven jumped out to a fast start on offense. The Blazers scored four in the 1st inning, capitalizing on some shaky defense from the visitors. Belhaven then tacked on two more runs in the 2nd inning as Mary Moore Widemire hit a solo home run, her first of the season, and Madi Miller scored Natalie Parker on an RBI triple.

Centenary would pick up a run in the 4th and 5th inning with Belhaven answering on a bases loaded sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 5th. The visitors would also score once in the 6th but could never overcome Belhaven's early offense.

Notable Performances

Taylor Heaton (W, 1-0): 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 K
Mary Moore Widemire: 2-3, HR
Ellie Jones: 2-3. 2 2B, RBI

The Blazers return to action on Saturday as they host Schreiner University in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for 1:00 PM.