JACKSON, Miss. - Belhaven Women's Basketball opened the 2025-26 season in commanding fashion Friday night, topping MUW 103-78 inside The Hangar Dome for the first game of the Millsaps Classic.

103 points marks the fifth-most in a single game in program history, powered by a career-best performance from senior guard Savannah Hailey, who posted 26 points and 13 rebounds for her third career double-double.

The Blazers overcame a slow start with a dominant second half, outscoring MUW 57-31 over the final two quarters. Belhaven finished with a 62-26 edge in points in the paint, 35 fast-break points, and 39 points from the bench while holding the Owls to under 30 percent shooting from the field.

First Quarter

Belhaven started slow offensively, hitting only 2-of-15 from the field in the opening quarter. Hailey's four early free throws helped keep the Blazers within range after MUW jumped ahead 14-2. Midway through the quarter, Jasi Jenkins provided a spark off the bench with a pair of buckets and free throws to trim the deficit to single digits. Late free throws from Hailey and Veronica Williams brought the Blazers within six, trailing 24-18 at the end of the first.

Second Quarter

The Blazers' offense caught fire in the second, shooting 55 percent while holding MUW to just six made field goals. Hailey continued to attack the glass, while Williams and Kyla Farmer added timely scoring inside. Ny Jones gave Belhaven its first lead of the night at 29-28 with a mid-range jumper early in the quarter. Down the stretch, Katelyn Coleman and Kiersten Hudson helped extend the margin, and Hailey's driving layup in the closing seconds sent Belhaven to halftime ahead 47-46.

Third Quarter

Belhaven's momentum carried into the third period behind Hailey's steady play in the paint and the Blazer defense forcing multiple turnovers. Hailey and Williams combined for 17 of Belhaven's 24 points in the frame. Jenkins again made key plays inside, while Hudson connected on a three-pointer to push the lead to double digits. By quarter's end, the Blazers held a 71-64 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes.

Fourth Quarter

The Blazers sealed the win with their most explosive quarter of the night, outscoring MUW 33-14. Belhaven shot 56 percent in the period and continued to dominate in transition. Williams scored eight of her 18 points in the fourth, including several fast-break finishes, while Hailey's final basket capped her career-high night. Kamren Edwards and Chrystianna Beeman added late three-pointers as Belhaven cruised past the century mark for the first time since 2020.

By the Numbers
    •    Savannah Hailey: 26 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals
    •    Veronica Williams: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
    •    Jasi Jenkins: 12 points, 7 rebounds off the bench
    •    Team Stats: 42.9% FG, 62 points in the paint, 35 fast-break points, 26 points off turnovers

Belhaven (1-0) returns to action tomorrow for the second game of The Millsaps Classic, where they will take on The University of Dallas. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM.

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