GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Sophomore Brooke Bennett smashed a grand slam in a five-run bottom of the fourth inning, lifting the Longwood softball team to an 8-6 come-from-behind victory over Lindenwood to close the Florida Tournament at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium on Sunday.

Down, 6-4, Bennett greeted Lindenwood reliever Jalese Hays, stroking a 2-1 pitch over the wall in right field with one out in the inning to vault the Lancers to the lead. Bennett's third blast in two days and first career grand slam completed the comeback after the Lions led, 4-0, 5-3, and 6-3.

"Very pleased with how we came out today," Longwood head coach Dr. Megan Brown said. "Was a good build on last night. This is the time of year you have to build and grow each game. These games are some of the most important from a preparation standpoint. Lots of work left, but pleased with how we finished the weekend."

Junior left-hander Cierra Gawryluk steadied Longwood after Morgan Strickland was unable to get out of the first inning. Gawryluk (1-2) threw 3 1/3 innings limiting the Lions (6-7) to five hits, two walks and two earned runs while striking out two.

Gawryluk also roped a two-out, two-run single to right-center field in the second to score Bailey Bucholz and Sophia Pisacano and make it a 4-3 game. Just prior, Bucholz doubled home Lauren Faulkner to get Longwood on the scoreboard

Four consecutive batters reached with one gone in the decisive fourth inning against Lindenwood starter Ava Risum (0-2). Pisacano and Bucholz both singled while Gawryluk reached on an error. Sarah Terrell followed with a single to right field to plate Pisacano, which spelled the end of the day for Risum.

Hays then stepped into the circle with the bases jammed and three pitches later Longwood had the lead on Bennett's eighth career homer.  

Maggie Chapin pitched the final three innings in scoreless fashion, surrendering just one hit and one walk with three three strikeouts to earn her second career save. 

Longwood outhit Lindenwood, 9-8, getting two-hit games from Ava Abromavage (2-for-4, stolen base) and Bucholz (2-for-3, double, RBI, run scored) in the win. Izzy Wilcox paced the Lions with a 2-for-4 day, including a double, triple, a run scored and two driven in.

Next up, Longwood (2-11) returns home to face Virginia Tuesday at 2 p.m., at Bank of the James Park.