HONOLULU, Hawai'i – Longwood tied the game in the top of the sixth inning, but a Heather Bowen pinch hit RBI sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning lifted Utah to a 3-2 victory over the Lancers Friday afternoon at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.
 
"The team played better today and we made some progress from the past couple of games," said head coach Kathy Riley. "Our goal of course is to win and I can't wait to get back on the field tomorrow."
 
Utah starter Miranda Viramontes (6-3) earned the victory, going seven complete innings and giving up two runs off 10 hits and two walks while striking out three Longwood batters.
 
Elizabeth McCarthy (1-5) took the loss for the Lancers, as she pitched six innings and gave up three runs off nine hits and two walks. McCarthy also struck out one batter.
 
Marissa Mendenhall gave Utah a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning with a single to center field to score Kristen Stewart from second base.
 
However, Chelsea Sciacca responded in the top of the fourth inning with a solo blast to center field to tie the game, 1-1.
 
The Utes were able to respond in the bottom of the inning, as Mariah Ramirez doubled to right field to score Anissa Urtez to give the Utes a 2-0 advantage.
 
Longwood once again responded in the top of the sixth inning with one run off two hits. Sciacca recorded her third hit of the contest with one out. Taylor Hedrick came on to pinch run for her and was driven in two batters later as Krista Kelly recorded a single to third base.
 
However, Utah once again responded in the bottom of the inning to regain the advantage. After Urtez advanced to third, Bowen came to the plate and delivered a sacrifice fly to left field to score Urtez from third base.
 
Longwood will conclude play in the Outrigger Resorts Spring Fling Tournament Saturday at 5 p.m.
 
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