SHREVEPORT, La. - The Belhaven Women's Soccer team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Tuesday evening, earning a 3-0 shutout victory over Centenary at Atkins Field.
The Blazers wasted little time creating chances, recording 10 shots in the opening half while holding Centenary to seven. Belhaven broke through in the 21st minute when Jensen Ward found the back of the net off an assist from Faith Dreyer, giving the Blazers a 1-0 advantage.
Belhaven carried the lead into halftime behind a strong defensive effort from the back line and goalkeeper Addi Roberts. Roberts made three saves in the opening 45 minutes to keep Centenary off the scoreboard.
The Blazers continued to apply pressure early in the second half, with Centenary goalkeeper Morgan Stancliff making several saves to keep the game within reach. Belhaven eventually doubled its advantage in the 67th minute when McKenzee Gregory scored her first goal of the season off an assist from Alexis Whiting.
Just over 11 minutes later, the Blazers added another insurance goal. Kinsey Carter found the back of the net in the 78th minute, again with Whiting providing the assist, to push the Belhaven lead to 3-0.
Belhaven's defense closed out the shutout in the final minutes, limiting Centenary to just five shots on goal. Roberts finished the night with five saves to earn the clean sheet.
The Blazers finished with a 14-13 advantage in total shots and put 10 shots on target compared to five for Centenary. Belhaven also held a 3-3 edge in corner kicks.
Ward, Gregory and Carter each scored once, while Whiting recorded two assists and Dreyer added an assist in the victory.
With the win, Belhaven opens the 2026 season 1-0. Next up for the Blazers is a trip to Arkansas on Saturday to face Hendrix in non-conference action.
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