WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - The Belhaven Softball team started their trip to The Spring Games in Florida strong with a doublheader sweep, picking up wins against Roger Williams University as well as Swarthmore.

Game 1: Belhaven 7, Roger Williams 4

Roger Williams struck first, capitalizing on a wild pitch in the opening frame to take a 1-0 lead. The Hawks extended their advantage in the third inning, scoring three runs off a combination of small ball and a Belhaven fielding miscue. After an RBI sacrifice fly and an error in the outfield that allowed two additional runs to cross, Roger Williams had early control with a 4-0 lead.

However, Belhaven responded quickly in the bottom of the third. Jordan Kanipe led off with a single up the middle, followed by a walk from Reagan Bryan to put two runners on. Ellie Jones then delivered an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 4-1. After a pitching change, Clby Hollinger came through with a clutch two-run single to center, bringing the Blazers within one run.

The game remained tight until the bottom of the sixth, when Belhaven's offense erupted for four runs to take command. Sarah Stockstill stole second after entering as a pinch-runner, setting up the go-ahead sequence. Kanipe followed with another single, and Bryan delivered the biggest hit of the game—a two-run single that gave Belhaven the lead for good. The Blazers added two insurance runs on a wild pitch followed by an RBI single from Lauen Dunbar, sealing the victory.

Macy Funderburk pitched a complete game, allowing seven hits and only two earned runs while striking out five. She shut down Roger Williams after the third inning, keeping them off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game.

Key Performances

• Reagan Bryan: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI
• Ellie Jones: 2-for-3, 1 R, 1 RBI
• Colby Hollinger: 1-for-3, 2 RBIs
• Jordan Kanipe: 2-for-3, 2 R
• Macy Funderburk (W, 6-3): 7.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 K

Game 2: Belhaven 9, Swarthmore 2

Swarthmore jumped ahead early, scoring twice in the first inning, but the Blazers wasted little time in responding. In the third inning, after a hit-by-pitch and a single from Jordan Kanipe, Reagan Bryan delivered the biggest swing of the game—a two-run triple to right field that brought the Blazers back level. Anna Caime followed with an RBI single to give the Blazers their first lead of the game.

Belhaven steadily added to its advantage, plating a run in the fifth on an RBI double from Kennedy Jones. The Blazers struck again in the sixth when Bryan reached on an error and later stole second, eventually scoring on another miscue by Swarthmore's defense.

The Blazers put the game away in the seventh inning, piling on three insurance runs. Kennedy Jones led off with a double, and Sarah Stockstill followed with another double to bring in a run. Maci Baldwin then smashed an RBI double of her own, making it an 8-2 game. Maddie Russell capped the scoring with a line-drive RBI single up the middle.

In the circle, Belle West delivered a strong start, tossing six innings while allowing just one earned run on seven hits. Macy Castleman worked a scoreless seventh to finish off the win.

Key Performances

• Reagan Bryan: 1-for-4, 3 RBI
• Maci Baldwin: 1-for-2, 2 R, RBI
• Kennedy Jones: 2-for-2, RBI
• Jordan Kanipe: 2-for-2, 2 R
• Belle West (W, 3-3): 6.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 K
• Macy Castleman: 1.0 IP, 0 R

Belhaven returns to action in Florida tomorrow as they take on Ohio Northern and Wittenburg in a doubleheader set to start at 12:00 PM.
 

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