GAME 1 BOX SCORE | GAME 2 BOX SCORE

CLINTON, S.C. – After months of preparation and one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the country, the Big South regular season has finally arrived for Longwood softball. The Lancers began conference play without a hitch, picking up two wins against Big South preseason number two Presbyterian 2-1 and 4-0.

Er'ron Burton threw a gem in Game 1 today, tossing seven complete innings while striking out twelve with only one earned run. Maggie Chapin followed her performance with a solid outing of her own, throwing a one-hitter with seven strikeouts in seven full innings.

Game one between Longwood (13-10) and Presbyterian (19-10) was dictated by the starting pitching on both sides. Er'ron Burton and PC's Jenna Greene each threw seven innings while only allowing three and four hits respectively.

When battling in a defensive affair, taking advantage of any opportunities or mistakes is critical. The Lancers did just that to sneak away with a win, as Lauren Fox scored on a wild pitch in the third coupled with a Lindsey Hay sac-fly that sent Korynna Anderson home in the fourth.

The Blue Hose cut into the Lancer lead in the fifth on a solo home run by Jillian Hewes. However, steady play on the mound from Burton kept the Lancers on top for good. The sophomore pitcher struck out the final three batters in order in the bottom of the seventh to seal the 1-0 win.

"Very pleased with our defense as a whole tonight," said head coach Dr. Megan Brown on the win. "They played well together and that is key in tight games."

Much like game one, the second matchup of the day got off to a slow start. Both teams were tied through the first three innings of play thanks to even more solid play from inside the circle.

The Lancers broke through the scoring drought for a huge fourth inning that saw Longwood score four runs. Emily Vinson got things started with an RBI single followed by a Jaden Pone two RBI double and Lauren Taylor sac-fly to push Longwood past their conference foe.

The second game ended in a similar fashion to the first, with Maggie Chapin retiring the side 1-2-3 to earn the victory for Longwood.

"Conference play is always going to provide tough games," said Dr. Brown. "I was very pleased with our team's grit, fight, and determination to find a way."

Following a 2-0 start to the series, Longwood will play Presbyterian once again tomorrow to round out the weekend. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. in Clinton.

"Tomorrow will be another tough test," said Dr. Brown. "We have to stay clear with the process and fight for every pitch."

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