FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Longwood splits the day with a huge late inning win over Illinois 5-3.
 
After falling to #10 Arkansas earlier in the day, Longwood (4-5, 0-0 Big South) bounced back in a huge sixth inning win over (RV) Illinois (5-4, 0-0 Big 10). A single off the bat of Alexis Wayland scored two runners on base to secure the lead in the top of the sixth.
 
Sydney Backstrom tallied the win in game two for the Lancers putting the team at 3-1 thus far in the Razorback Invitational with one more game to play Sunday.

"It was a great team win tonight," said Head Coach Megan Brown. "It was a really tough first game, but we were really proud of the adjustments we made and the growth we saw from game one to two. We're ready, and excited to compete again tomorrow."
 
Longwood prepares to face Western Illinois again at 9 a.m. CST, 10 a.m. EST Sunday Feb. 20.
 
Game 1:

In the third game of the Razorback Invitational, Longwood fell to a top ten softball powerhouse, #10 Arkansas 15-4. The victory sees Arkansas win their fifth game of the season.

A third and fourth inning that saw a combined 13 runs scored erased an early Longwood lead. For the Razorbacks, KB Sides, Hannah McEwen and Taylor Ellsworth started the bottom of the third with three consecutive walks, giving the Razorbacks the edge they needed. Four straight baserunners would add to what would be the start to a seven-run inning.

Arkansas (5-2, 0-0 SEC), was just heating up as they continued their array of runs into the fourth inning. Six straight batters reached base before an out was recorded. Arkansas added six more runs, which ultimately ended the game in the fifth inning.

Longwood (3-5, 0-0 Big South), grabbed an early lead in the first inning, and continued to add to it in the following two innings. Big South Co-Freshman of the Week honoree Emily Vinson continued to deliver offensively and started the Lancers off with a score in the first inning. A double off the freshman's bat to right center allowed fellow teammate Jaden Pone to round home.

Arkansas would answer in the home half of the inning, when a throwing error scored McEwen. Ellsworth would cross the plate off of a Hannah Gammill double to give the Razorbacks the lead for the first time of the game. 

The Lancers responded quickly in the second inning, where they added two runs to regain the lead. Senior Alexis Wayland swatted a single into centerfield, scoring sophomore Lauren Fox. Immediately to follow, junior Korynna Anderson singled, allowing another run to cross the plate. The Lancers tallied a fourth run in the third inning,when Pone singled up the middle scoring Lauren Taylor to take a 4-2 lead.

Starting in the circle for Arkansas was Chenise Delce, who gave up three earned runs in two innings of work, and allowed six hits. Mary Haff (4-1)  concluded the game in the circle and only allowed one hit, and striking out four as she picked up the victory.

Redshirt-junior Reagan Kanagawa (1-3) got the start in the circle for the Lancers, allowing four earned runs and two base hits. Freshman Er'ron Burton and senior Angelina Sherba came in to relieve Kanagawa, allowing a combined 10 earned runs between the two pitchers. 

Game 2: Longwood Tops Power Five Competitor Illinois In The Late Innings

A solid sixth inning for the Lancers pushed the team passed power five opponent Illinois 5-3, with Wayland's two-run single in the sixth inning proving to be the difference. Wayland's hit allowed Emily Vinson and Lauren Fox to finish the run around the bases, giving the Lancers the late lead and the win.  
 
With one out put away, it set up for the perfect rally. Back-to-back base hits from Fox and Jaden Pone put two on with Wayland up to bat. Vinson ran for Pone and stole second to make the situation even sweeter. A single sent to the outfield allowed two runners to score before finishing off the inning.
 
Backstrom (3-3), backed by a strong eight in the field, put together two scoreless innings together ending the game after a full seven, collecting the team win. It was her win second of the weekend. She added another seven strikeouts on the year in the win Saturday night.
 
Illinois got on the board first in the bottom of the second with a homer from Bella Loya with no outs recorded. Following up the solo homer, Megan Ward singled through the left side gap advancing teammates Brianna Nykaza and Jaelyn Vickery all the way around the bases.
 
Longwood responded and grabbed three in the top of the third, starting off with a single from Taylor. Taylor successfully stole second to put her in perfect position to round the diamond. Fox singled up the middle, advancing Taylor to third. No outs in sight, Pone reached on a fielder's choice to score Taylor. Two more errors from Illinois allowed Longwood to capitalize, scoring two more unearned runs in the inning. 
 
Three up, three down to close out the bottom of the third gave the momentum to Longwood to finish off the game adding one in the win column.
 
Longwood sits at 3-1 in Fayetteville, Arkansas in the Razorback Invitational. The Lancers will play a final game against Western Illinois at 9 a.m. CST, 10 a.m. EST Sunday morning.  
 

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