By Sam Armstrong

BUENA VISTA, Va. – After dropping the first game of its doubleheader against York (Pa.) 6-2, the Southern Virginia University softball team topped the Spartans 2-1 thanks to a walk-off home run by Mykayla Johnson.

Game one remained scoreless until the bottom of the third in which the Knights (10-16, 2-4 CAC) scored their only two runs of the game. Mollie Gabbert and Mykayla Johnson each drove in a run on singles to right field to give the Knights the 2-0 advantage.

The Spartans (16-6, 3-1 CAC) chipped away at the lead by scoring one in the fifth and then blew the game open with a five-run sixth inning. The Knights were unable to overcome the deficit and fell 6-2.

Tara Hilton led the Southern Virginia offense with three hits on the day, including two doubles, while Heather Terranova had two singles. Megan Harmon pitched a complete game, giving up eight hits and striking out three in the loss.

The second game of the day was quite the pitcher's duel with the teams combining for only seven hits. Melanie Peyton started the game in the circle and pitched a stellar five innings, allowing only one hit and one run.

Melissa Jurkiewicz also threw an excellent game for the Spartans, allowing no runs until Mykayla Johnson blasted a walk-off home run over the left field fence to give the Knights the 2-1 win. The homer was Johnson's first of the season and led the Knights to their second CAC win of the season.

Gabbert continued to swing a hot bat, finishing the game with two hits, including reaching base to set the table for Johnson's home run. Terranova and Caitlin Barber also had a hit each.

Harmon picked up the win in the circle, pitching two innings of no-hit ball and striking out one.

Southern Virginia plays again on Monday in a non-conference twin bill against Mary Baldwin. Game one is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in Staunton, Va.