MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Belhaven Women's Basketball battled through five tightly contested periods but suffered a heartbreaking 79-78 overtime loss to Huntingdon on Monday afternoon at Roland Arena. The Blazers moved to 13-4 overall and 6-3 in CCS play following the one-point setback.  
The game featured multiple momentum swings, extended scoring runs by both teams, and late drama in both regulation and overtime. Belhaven finished with 40 points in the paint and 28 bench points, but late free throws proved decisive.

First Quarter
Belhaven set the tone early with defensive pressure and inside scoring. After an early basket by Charity Shaw, the Blazers responded with a 12-2 run fueled by finishes from Veronica Williams and Kiersten Hudson. Hudson scored twice in the paint during the stretch, and Williams capped the run with a jumper to give Belhaven control.

Belhaven continued to attack late in the quarter. Jasi Jenkins provided a spark off the bench with a basket inside, and Williams knocked down a three-pointer in the final minute as the Blazers closed the quarter on a 9-2 run to take a 19-11 lead.

Second Quarter
Huntingdon answered early in the second behind Deshauna Foote and Makayla Ford, using a 10-2 run to cut into the deficit. Belhaven countered with steady execution, as Katelyn Coleman scored nine points in the quarter, including multiple finishes in the lane and trips to the free-throw line.

Despite Belhaven shooting efficiently, Huntingdon closed the half strong. Shaw and Ford connected on key baskets late, and the home team outscored Belhaven 27-21 in the quarter to take a 38-40 deficit into halftime.

Third Quarter
Belhaven responded coming out of the locker room. Hudson opened the half with a three-pointer, and Williams added a finish inside as the Blazers built momentum. A 10-2 run midway through the quarter pushed Belhaven's lead to double digits following back-to-back baskets from Jenkins and Coleman.

Huntingdon stayed within reach behind Foote, who scored repeatedly in the paint, but Belhaven held firm. The Blazers outscored the home team 18-14 in the quarter and carried a 58-52 lead into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter
The final period was tightly contested. Huntingdon chipped away with perimeter shooting, highlighted by a three from Erica Rodriguez and timely finishes by Foote. Belhaven answered behind Williams at the free-throw line and a strong finish from Kamren Edwards to maintain a narrow edge.

With under a minute remaining, the score was tied following a late Huntingdon basket. Belhaven had opportunities in the closing seconds, but the game was sent to overtime tied at 68-68.

Overtime
Belhaven struck first in overtime as Edwards scored inside and later knocked down a three-pointer to give the Blazers a late lead. Huntingdon responded behind clutch free throws from Makayla Ford and a key basket in the paint.

In the final seconds, Belhaven briefly regained the lead at the line, but Abby Byrd converted a free throw with one second remaining to give Huntingdon the decisive edge. Belhaven's final look came up short as time expired.

Williams led Belhaven with 19 points, while Coleman added 15 and Jenkins chipped in 15 off the bench. Edwards finished with 10 points, and Hudson pulled down 12 rebounds while adding key defensive stops throughout the contest.

Belhaven returns to action later this week as conference play continues. The Blazers host Maryville on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM.

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