COLUMBUS, Ga. - The Belhaven Blazers opened their weekend at the 2025 NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic with a split of their Friday doubleheader, taking down the University of Chicago 11-9 to open the day before falling 7-6 to DePauw.

Game 1: Belhaven 11, U Chicago 9

Belhaven secured a thrilling 11-9 victory over the University of Chicago in a high-scoring battle to open up their day in Georgia. The Blazers came out strong, taking an early lead across the first three innings. Reagan Bryan's three-run home run in the second gave Belhaven a commanding 6-0 advantage.

The University of Chicago climbed back in it, scoring three runs in the fourth but Belle West and Ellie Jones launched a pair of home runs to restore a five-run lead for the Blazers. Once again, Belhaven's opposition fought back and a trio of home runs for U Chicago across the final two frames sent the game to extra innings.

With the game tied after seven and forced into the eighth, Belhaven responded with clutch moments. Anna Caime drove in the go-ahead run in the form of Jordan Kanipe before a bases loaded walk from Maci Baldwin doubled the extra-innings lead.

Key Performers

• Reagan Bryan: 3-for-5, 3 R, 3 RBI, HR
• Ellie Jones: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR
• Madi Miller: 4-for-5, RBI
• Macy Funderburk (W, 3-0): 7.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 K 

Game 2: Belhaven 6, DePauw 7

Belhaven started their second game of the day with an explosive first inning. Colby Hollinger and Lauren Dunbar each launched home runs to help Belhaven build a quick 4-0 lead. However, DePauw wasted no time responding, cutting the Blazers' lead down to one.

DePauw took control in the second inning, scoring four more runs and forced Belhaven to play from behind. The Blazers chipped away at the deficit in the fifth inning with a run to pull the game with one but were unable to capitalize with the tying run in scoring position in the 7th inning.

Key Performers

• Colby Hollinger: 1-for-4, 3 RBI, HR
• Lauren Dunbar: 3-for-4, 2 R, RBI, HR
• Maci Baldwin: 2-for-4, SB
• Ellie Jones: 1-1, 3 BB

The Blazers will be right back at it tomorrow as they face a pair of Top 25 opponents on Saturday morning. Belhaven opens the day at 9:00 AM Central against No. 18 Pfeiffer before facing No. 22 Redlands at 11:30.

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