JACKSON, Miss. - A 19-8 second quarter advantage proved to be all the difference on Saturday afternoon as the Rhodes College women's basketball team dropped their opener to Belhaven by the score of 63-52 at Rugg Arena in Jackson.

The Lynx had a dreadful day from the three point line, shooting 2 of 16 (12.5%) to go with 21-for-58 (36.2%) from the field. Rhodes also struggled at the charity stripe, going 8-for-14 (57.1%). Meanwhile, Belhaven was 25-for-59 (42.4%) from the floor and 6 of 17 (35.3%) from deep. The Lynx were also outrebounded 42-33 and committed 21 turnovers.

After a relatively close first five minutes, the Blazers took a six point lead at 14-8. Rhodes responded with a three from freshman Kaelee Overfield and, following a three from Belhaven, got back-to-back buckets from senior Bailey Kramer and freshman LaKyia Parker to make it 17-15. Belhaven added a lone free throw to take a 18-15 lead after one.

Things began to get away from Rhodes in the second quarter as a 16-4 run to start the second quarter found the Blazers ahead 33-19. The Lynx closed the gap to 10, but Belhaven scored two straight baskets to end the half with a 37-23 lead.

Rhodes made a push in the second half as the combination of junior Jessie Ustick, Parker, and Kramer cut the deficit down. A 3-pointer from Overfield made it a nine point game going into the final quarter of play.

From there, a 7-0 run to start the fourth put the Blazers in a comfortable 54-38 lead. Kramer and sophomore Allie Young went to work in the paint, but it would not be enough as Belhaven was victorious in the opener.

Young finished with 13 points on 6 of 10 shooting to go with three steals while Kramer notched 12 points and seven boards. Parker added nine points on 50% from the field and two steals while Overfield had seven off the bench. Freshman Anna Muller had a pair of blocks in the contest.

Tajee Harper led Belhaven off the bench with 13 points while Samara Dingiswayo added 10 points. Candler Gregory picked up 10 boards in the contest.

Rhodes starts the season at 0-1. The Lynx will return for their home opener next Saturday after Thanksgiving as they welcome in Westminster (Mo.) into Mallory Gymnasium at 6 p.m.