BUENA VISTA, Va. — The Southern Virginia University softball team picked up a non-Fconference win on Friday afternoon, defeating Franciscan University by a score of 11-7.

The Knights (3-7) took an early lead with a six-run first inning and a three-run second inning, building a 9-2 lead over the first two frames. The Barons (0-1) kept battling, however, scoring five runs over the next three innings to cut the lead down to 10-7.

After tacking on an extra run in the bottom of the sixth, the Knights shut down the Barons in the seventh to secure the win.

Junior Melanie Peyton led the Knights with three hits and four RBIs for the game, while Matatea Manuleleua, Krystal Kemp, Mykayla Johnson, and Bethanie Hudson each contributing two hits. One of Kemp's hits was a home run in the second inning, and she also added two RBIs and a stolen base.

Kemp was also in the circle for Southern Virginia, tossing five innings and giving up only one earned run while striking out two. Peyton took over in the sixth and pitched two shutout innings to close out the game.

The latter half of the doubleheader was cancelled due to snow.

The Knights are scheduled to take the field again on Saturday as they take on Greensboro College. The first game is slated for 2:00 p.m.