JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven Softball team improved to 6-0 in conference play on Saturday with a doubleheader sweep of Covenant at Jim McLeod Field that included a pair of run rule victories. Belhaven took down the Scots 9-1 in the opener in six innings before recording an 8-0 shutout victory in the finale.

Game One: Belhaven 9, Covenant 1 (6 Innings)

Belhaven took control early in the opening game of the day, scoring twice in the second inning and adding another run in the third to build a 3-0 lead. The offense continued to apply pressure throughout the game, but it was a five-run sixth inning that finally saw the Blazers break through with a big frame and seal sealed the run-rule victory

Anna Caime had a stellar game at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with a grand slam, triple, and four RBIs. Her grand slam in the sixth was the highlight of the game, capping off an explosive inning for the Blazers and serving as the walkoff winner, putting Belhaven up eight runs late in the game. Reagan Bryan added two hits, including a double, while Jordan Kanipe chipped in with two RBIs.

In the circle, Macy Funderburk was untouchable and had arguably the best start of her Blazers' career. The right-hander tossed a complete-game six-inning performance, striking out a career-high 14 batters while allowing just three hits and one run. Funderburk kept the Covenant hitters off balance all game, recording multiple strikeouts in every inning including the first eight outs of the game.

Key Performances

Anna Caime: 3-for-4, HR, 3B, 4 RBI
Reagan Bryan: 2-for-3, 2B, R
Jordan Kanipe: 1-for-3, 2 RBI
Madi Miller: 2-for-3, RBI, R
Macy Funderburk (W, 10-2): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 14 K (Career-High)

Game Two: Belhaven 8, Covenant 0 (5 Innings)

Belhaven carried its momentum into the second game, delivering a run-rule shutout in just five innings. The Blazers wasted no time getting on the board, scoring two runs in the first inning on a trio of extra-base hits before adding a run in both the third and fourth innings.

With a 4-0 lead entering the fifth, Belhaven erupted for four more runs to put the game away. Kennedy Jones led the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, driving in two runs and scoring once. Colby Hollinger came off the bench with a clutch pinch-hit appearance, delivering a two-run single that gave the Blazers' the run-rule in walkoff fashion.

Belle West was sharp in the circle in game two, throwing a five-inning shutout while allowing just two hits. West struck out six batters and kept the Scots in check from the first pitch.

Key Performances

Kennedy Jones: 3-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R
Colby Hollinger: 1-for-1, 2 RBI (Pinch-hit single in 5th)
Reagan Bryan: 1-for-3, RBI, SB
Lauren Dunbar: 1-for-2, 2B, BB, R
Belle West (W, 7-3): 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 K

The win improves Belhaven to 17-5 on the season and as mentioned above, they remain unbeaten in conference play at 6-0 against league opponents. The Blazers are in the midst of a strong run overall, having won 10 straight including a victory over No. 18 Calvin and six straight run rules over conference foes.

Next up for the Blazers will be a top 15 national matchup against No. 10 Huntingdon in a pivotal CCS doubleheader. First pitch on Friday is set for 12:00 PM in Montgomery, Alabama.

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