FARMVILLE, VA. - USC Upstate pounded out 14 hits Friday night to take game one from Longwood 8-1. The Spartans (31-19) used multiple big innings to power past the Lancers (20-27) in the first game of three on the weekend.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Willie Havens: 2-4, 1 2B, 1HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
Tanner Thomas: 1-3, 1 BB
Drew Camp: 1-3, 1 2B

HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Spartans struck first in the top half of the first inning when Grant Sherrod singled up the middle, and added another run in the third courtesy of a solo home run from Jace Rinehart.

The Lancers got on the board in fifth thanks to a solo home run from Willie Havens. The ball was deposited into deep right field to give the graduate student from Amelia his fourth home run on the season. 

The 3-1 lead was quickly extended in the top half of the sixth as the Spartans added two more on a Sherrod single to left, his second of the day.  

Starting pitcher Jagger Jefferis earned his first start of the season and was efficient. He kept the Lancer bats off balance all night, working out of multiple jams. 

Longwood ultimately dropped game one 8-1, and look to bounce back in game two Saturday. 
 
Dominick D'Ercole (4-2) threw five innings for the Lancers striking out five, but it was Jefferis (5-1) who earned the victory Friday night. 

WHAT THEY SAID:
"We have to find ways to execute more tomorrow as we look to bounce back." Head coach Chad Oxendine stated. "We have another opportunity tomorrow, and have to turn around quick and be ready to go."

NOTABLES:
Havens fourth home run of the season is tied for the team lead. 

UP NEXT:
Longwood and USC Upstate continue their series Saturday at 2 p.m. 
Saturday's game is senior day for the Lancers.