LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty's Autumn Bishop went 3-for-3 and delivered the go-ahead runs, as Longwood softball concluded its 2019 regular season with a 2-1 loss to the host Flames Saturday afternoon at Kamphus Field at Liberty Softball Stadium.

Longwood (34-19), the Big South's regular season championship, concluded the regular season with three straight losses, while Liberty (36-18) finished in the second inning.
Bishop's two-run single in the fifth inning broke a scoreless game, as starters Sydney Gay and Chase Cassady went toe-for-toe in the circle.

Longwood answered in the sixth inning, as Jordan Clark extended her hitting streak to 19 straight with a double to left center field before Karleigh Donovan's RBI ground-rule double brought her home. In addition, Kaylynn 'Bug' Batten, Kasey Carr and Jessica Smith all recorded singles.

"It was a close ballgame. I felt like there were a lot of small things that we could've done at a higher level," said Longwood head coach Kathy Riley. "I was more disappointed in our competitive spirit today than the loss itself."

The Liberty junior had three of the six hits on the day for the Flames, as Jaclyn Amader, Madison Via and Kaitlin McFarland also recorded hits.

Chase Cassady (13-2) picked up the win, throwing five shutout innings and allowing two hits. Julia DiMartino came on to pitch the final two innings to pick up her sixth save of the season, allowing one run on three hits while striking out one batter.

Sydney Backstrom (17-10) took the loss coming on in relief to throw the final two innings, allowing two runs, one earned, on one walk and three strikeouts.

Sydney Gay received the no decision in four scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out one batter.

Longwood will now have five days before beginning play in the Big South Tournament Thursday, May 9 where the Lancers will take on the winner of the winner of the No. 4 and 5 seeds.

#GoWood