BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Needing a win to keep on pace at the top of the Big South standings, Longwood softball battled Gardner-Webb in a series-deciding game three this morning. The Lancers pulled off a dramatic comeback, scoring four runs in the seventh and eighth innings to seal a come-from-behind victory.

Reggie Kanagawa began the game on the mound for Longwood (19-14), tossing five innings before Maggie Chapin entered in her relief. However, Er'ron Burton earned the win for the Lancers, throwing 2.1 innings that allowed Longwood to retake and hold the lead.

"We talk a lot about earned confidence," said head coach Dr. Megan Brown. "Today shows how much they have earned and how hard they have worked."

The Lancers recorded twelve hits throughout the game off the bats of eight different players. Jaden Pone, Kayley DeVivi, Lauren Taylor, and Lindsey Hay each connected on two hits in what was an impressive offensive display for the visiting team.

Gardner-Webb (15-25), currently positioned as the fourth seed and last team in the Big South tournament, took game one of the series and nearly had game three wrapped up. A big sixth inning catapulted the Runnin' Bulldogs ahead 7-4 headed into the seventh.

The Runnin' Bulldogs nearly had the series win wrapped up, but Longwood had other plans. Lauren Taylor's RBI single got things started for the Lancers while Lindsey Hay connected on a clutch 2RBI single that tied the game headed into the eighth inning.

Kelly Park's sacrifice ground out gave Longwood the go-ahead in the eighth and Er'ron Burton held the Runnin' Bulldogs scoreless in the final frame to steal the series-clinching win.

"I am always proud of our young ladies and how they play together," said Dr. Brown on the win. "They embody everything that is great about our game. Their fight and determination even when they are down to their last strike is truly inspiring. Couldn't be prouder of them."

Longwood returns to Farmville for a weekend Big South conference series against Charleston Southern. The Lancers will host the Buccaneers for a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. while game three will played on Sunday at 1 p.m. Alumni Day recognition will take place in between games one and two on Saturday.

"Games like this build the character of a team, make you stronger, and more bound together as a unit," said Dr. Brown. "So proud of them and their fight."

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