ROCK HILL, S.C. – Longwood softball set season high marks on the offensive end yesterday, knocking 27 total hits across two wins over Winthrop. The Lancers kept their bats swinging in the series finale, riding 12 total hits to an 8-2 win.

Longwood (24-16, 11-3) catapulted out to an early 6-0 lead over Winthrop (26-21, 8-10) thanks to a seven-hit second inning. Reliable play on the mound from Reggie Kanagawa and a solid defensive effort helped compliment the high-level offense on route to the game three win.

"I'm very proud of their work and staying with the process," said head coach Dr. Megan Brown. "They have been trusting their good work, so I'm very pleased with that."

The win marks the first three-game series sweep of a Big South opponent for the Lancers this season. In addition, the Lancers have recorded 11 or more hits in each of their past four outings.

"We talked about putting the hay in the barn in the fall, and they did," said Dr. Brown. "They're believing in themselves, trusting in their work, and it's fun to see them play."

Eight different players got in the hit column for Longwood, including multi-hit outings from Jaden Pone, Kayley DeVivi, and Kelly Park.

Park, the senior from Greenville, Pennsylvania, had her best batting performance of the season. She hit 3-4 on the day with an RBI and her third homer of the weekend.

Kanagawa threw a full seven innings, her second complete game of the series. She struck out three batters while allowing two runs, only one of which was earned.

The win sets the Lancers firmly in second place in the conference and in great position next weekend to clinch a spot in the Big South tournament.

Before returning to Big South play next weekend, the Lancers will host a marquee midweek matchup against the #10/10 Duke Blue Devils. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. from Lancer Field.

"Duke is going to be very good, they're a strong and gritty team," said Dr. Brown. "It's going to come down to who wins the most pitches in the game."

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