BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Freshman Alexis Wayland delivered a sixth inning RBI single as part of a three-hit day, as the Longwood softball team mounted a 5-4 comeback win over Gardner-Webb to secure a series sweep Sunday afternoon at Brinkley Stadium.

Wayland went 3-for-4 at the dish with a pair of RBI and a run scored, as she played a part in three of Longwood's five runs on the day. Sunday's effort was the latest in a five-hit weekend with the freshman third baseman hitting .455 with four RBI and three runs scored.

"We had good pitching today," said Longwood head coach Kathy Riley. "We handled ourselves well in most areas and hit the ball hard throughout. When Gardner-Webb was able to get people on base, our defense handled those situations very well and that was the key to victory."

Longwood's defense stranded 11 Gardner-Webb baserunners in the game, including bases loaded jams in the first three innings. That marked the key for the Lancers, who stranded 29 Gardner-Webb baserunners throughout the three games.

Longwood (24-13, 11-1 Big South) secured its 10th consecutive win of the conference season, coming from behind for the third straight game. In that stretch, Longwood has comeback after trailing in seven of the 11 conference wins and is 6-0 in games decided by one run. The win is Longwood's 23rd straight over Gardner-Webb (24-18, 3-9 Big South).

Wayland's ninth multi-hit game of the season led the way for Longwood at the plate, while Destiny Martinez secured her second straight two-hit day with a 2-for-2 effort with two runs scored. Jordan Clark had a hit for the third game of the series, while Jessica Smith plated a pair with a second inning two-run single.

"Alexis carries herself with a lot of confidence in pressure situations," Riley said. "She's always ready to play at a high level. It's a lack of fear that sets her apart from others."

In the circle, Sydney Gay (8-6) came out of the bullpen to get the win, throwing three scoreless innings and allowing two baserunners while shutting down the Gardner-Webb offense. Gay threw 53 pitches, 32 for strikes.

Sydney Backstrom got the start in the circle, allowing four runs on seven hits in four innings.

Reah Barger (5-4) took the loss after coming out of the bullpen in the sixth inning and throwing two innings, allowing three hits and an unearned run.

She came on in relief for Brooke Perry who completed five innings, giving up four runs on six hits and four walks.

Andria Booth led Gardner-Webb at the plate with a 3-for-4 effort with an RBI and run scored.

Longwood returns Lancer Field Tuesday, April 9 to host ACC foe Virginia with first pitch set for 6 p.m.

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