Box Score Jackson, MS – Cassidy DeNoon pitched a complete game and Rayner LeBlanc homered as the Millsaps Softball Team defeated Birmingham Southern 1-0 Wednesday afternoon.
 
Wednesday's game marks the final in a three game series between the Majors and Panthers, as Millsaps improves to 14-12 with the win.  DeNoon was sensational giving up no runs and just two hits in seven innings pitched for Millsaps.  After leading Tuesday's double-header in hits for the Majors, junior catcher Rayner LeBlanc continued her excellent play with a homerun in the second inning.
 
"Rayner really took charge for us on Tuesday and followed it up Wednesday by setting the tone for us early," Head Softball Coach Erin Clary said.
 
LeBlanc's homer to left field proved to be the difference maker, as the Majors' defense took over en route to a quick 1-0 win.
 
After giving up a single in the first, DeNoon and the Majors' defense retired 12 straight batters.  In all, the solid defensive performance by Millsaps forced five three-up three-down situations for the Panthers.
 
In the second, Rayner LeBlanc stepped up for her first at-bat of the day.  After looking off the first pitch for a ball, LeBlanc smashed a solo-shot homerun to left field.  LeBlanc's homer gave the Majors a 1-0 lead – and they never looked back.
 
The Panthers would reach base only three times in today's contest with two hits and a walk, as the Majors' defense closed out the game with a three-up, three-down top of the seventh. 
 
The only threat would come in the sixth when the Panthers reached first on a walk.  With an out on the board, the Majors' defense then forced a 6-3-lineout double play to end the inning and scoring chance for Birmingham Southern.
 
Today's game also marks one of the quickest this season as neither team committed an error in the 75-minute contest.  Overall, Millsaps finished with a run and nine hits while the Panthers completed the game with no runs and two hits.
 
Kat Romero, Rayner LeBlanc and Kaitlyn Casias all led in hits with two each.  Katelyn Murray, Missy Romero and Hannah Doggett each recorded a hit as well.  LeBlanc had the single RBI on the solo homerun, as the Majors handed the nationally ranked Panthers their first loss in conference play.
 
"We showed what we're capable of today," Coach Clary said.  "At this point it's all about staying consistent and peaking at the right time."
 
Now at 14-12 (3-3) the Millsaps Softball Team will travel to Memphis, Tenn. this weekend for a three-game series with Rhodes.  Opening play for the road series will start with a double-header this Friday, March 25th.
 
First pitch for game one between the Majors and Lynx is set for 12:00 pm.