Box Score COLUMBUS, Ga. - The No. 12 Belhaven Softball team outlasted Illinois Wesleyan in a pitcher's duel on Thursday night, winning 3-1 in eight innings to open up the NFCA Leadoff Classic. The Blazers improved to 9-0 with the extra inning victory.

Runs were at a premium on Thursday as Belhaven starter Kennedy Carruth and Titan starter Gianna Certa established themselves early on in the circle. The Blazers were able to pick up two base hits in the first but failed to push a run across in the opening frame.

Both teams had chances to score during the middle innings, but the pitchers continued to answer the bell each time and halt any scoring opportunities.

Illinois Wesleyan was able to put two in scoring position with just one out in the bottom of the sixth against Carruth, but the Blazers' ace fanned the next two Titan batters to retire the side and keep the game scoreless.

Neither team scored in the seventh inning, so an extra frame was needed to break the 0-0 tie. Ellie Jones came through with the biggest hit of the night, a two-run double to score Madi Miller and Macy Funderburk. The Blazers added a third run on an RBI infield single from Anna Caime.

Illinois Wesleyan was able to plate one in the home half, but a couple of strikeouts and a popout to second base secured Belhaven's ninth straight win to open up the 2024 campaign.

Notable Performances

Kennedy Carruth (W, 5-0): 8.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R (0 ER), 10 K
Ellie Jones: 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 R

Belhaven returns to action tomorrow for a doubleheader against 13th-ranked Case Western Reserve and Babson starting at 4:00 PM.

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