By Sam Armstrong

BUENA VISTA, Va. — The Southern Virginia University softball team won both of its games against Cairn University on Saturday afternoon, topping the Highlanders 9-1 in the first game and 11-3 in the second.

"We got off to a slow start today after last night's emotional extra inning win, but I am very proud of the way the ladies stayed tough and took care of business at home," head coach Tiffane Pendleton commented. "This home stretch has allowed us to build confidence and momentum that I think will help us prepare for a very competitive conference schedule."

In game one of the afternoon, the Knights (6-8) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning after Tara Hilton doubled to center field, driving in a pair of runs. Southern Virginia was unable to score again until the sixth inning, but pitcher Megan Harmon and the Knights' defense held the Highlanders (0-2) scoreless until they scored a single run in the top of the sixth. In the bottom of the frame, Southern Virginia piled on seven runs to break open the one-run ballgame for the win.

Both Hilton and Heather Terranova finished the game with three RBIs, while Harmon, Jordan Stites, and Mollie Gabbert had one each. The Knights were seeing the ball well at the plate, compiling 10 hits and only striking out three times.

Harmon picked up her fourth win of the year, pitching six innings and striking out seven batters while only allowing one run.

After giving up a run to Cairn in the top of the first, the Knights responded by scoring eight unanswered runs on their way to the 11-3 win. The team had eight players with at least one base-hit in the game, led by senior Katierose Helems with three, while Terranova, Harmon, and Hilton had two each.

Melanie Peyton pitched an excellent game in the circle, giving up only three hits and two earned runs while striking out three.

The Knights home-stand continues on Tuesday as they take on Maine-Presque Isle in a doubleheader. Game one at Harvey-Dryden Field begins at 4:00 p.m.