JACKSON, Miss. - The No. 9 ranked Belhaven Softball team closed out the 2026 Riverside Rivalry on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-inning win over Millsaps at the Millsaps Softball Complex. With the win, the Blazers split the season series with the Majors in the second and final meeting between the two programs this spring.  

Belhaven entered the contest ranked No. 9 in the latest NFCA Division III poll, jumping nine spots from the previous release.

In a game defined by pitching and defense, both teams were held scoreless through the opening frame before Millsaps struck in the second inning. A single and a bunt attempt led to a run scoring on a sacrifice play following a Belhaven error, giving the Majors a 1-0 lead.  

Belhaven had limited opportunities early, managing just one baserunner through the first four innings as Millsaps kept the Blazers off balance.

The Blazers broke through in the fifth inning. Lauren Dunbar sparked the rally with a double to left center, and after advancing on a passed ball, came home on an RBI single up the middle from Melissa Lopera to tie the game at 1-1.  

Belhaven threatened again in the sixth when Ellie Williamson singled, but Millsaps worked out of the inning to keep the game even.

In the circle, Gracey Harbour delivered a strong start, allowing just one unearned run over six innings while scattering five hits. She worked efficiently throughout and escaped a key fifth-inning threat after a leadoff double by inducing a ground ball that turned into a double play, keeping the game tied.  

With the score still tied after seven innings, the game moved into extras.

Belhaven took advantage of the international tiebreaker in the eighth. With a runner placed at second, Reagan Bryan put down a bunt that forced an error, allowing the go-ahead run to score and give the Blazers a 2-1 lead.  

In the bottom half, Macy Funderburk came on in relief and closed the door. After allowing a single to put the tying run aboard, she induced a pop up and recorded a strikeout before getting the final out on a fly ball to secure the win.

Funderburk earned the victory with two scoreless innings in relief, while Harbour set the tone with her six-inning effort. The Belhaven staff combined to allow just one run on six hits in the contest.  

Offensively, Lopera led the way with a hit and the game-tying RBI, while Dunbar added a double and scored the tying run. Belhaven finished with five hits in the game.

Maryanna Guy extended her hitting streak to 19 games with a single in the eighth inning, continuing her consistent presence in the middle of the lineup.

The Blazers return home this Saturday with a doubleheader vs. Piedmont. First pitch is set for 12:00 PM.

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