BUENA VISTA, Va. — The Southern Virginia University softball team dropped its doubleheader Friday night at home against Franciscan University at Harvey-Dryden Field, losing game one 5-1 and game two 3-2.

Game 1

At the top of the first frame, the Barons (2-0) started with a single to center field and then stole second to get into scoring position. Kathleen Thompson singled to center, moving the baserunner to third and then home following a Southern Virginia (1-5) error to take an early 1-0 lead. The next batter, Jenny Massey, grounded out to second but managed to bring home Thompson and increase its lead to 2-0.

The Knights pushed a run across in the bottom of the second inning with Kyla Nase on first following a walk. Kylee Christensen hit a deep fly ball to right field with the right fielder dropping the catch allowing Nase to score all the way from first cutting the Baron's lead to 2-1.

The Barons scored three more runs in the game tacking on to their lead in the third, fifth, and seventh innings to hold a 5-1 victory.

On the mound for Franciscan was Bizzy Thompson tossing a no-hitter in her 2020 debut. She tossed seven innings, allowing one run (no earned) and seven strikeouts.

In the circle for the Knights was Christensen throwing a complete game, going seven innings, allowing eight hits, five runs (three earned), and two punchouts.

Game 2

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Knights jumped out front in the bottom of the first, 1-0. Christensen started the inning with a single and then stole second and third bases. Jordan Stites also got on board after drawing a walk and stole second, allowing Christensen to score on the throw.

After Southern Virginia held the Barons scoreless for the opening three innings of play, Franciscan capitalized off an error to tie the game back at 1-1.

At the top of the sixth inning, a pair of singles gave the Barons runners on first and second. The Knights managed to pick off a runner on a double-steal attempt but left a runner on third base. The next batter, Mary Roach, laid down a sacrifice bunt to score a run and take their first lead of the game 2-1.

The lead was extended by the Barons in the seventh inning, 3-1, following another costly error allowed Franciscan to score and hold a two-run advantage.

The Knights attempted the last chance comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning, Danielle Asche collected a pinch-hit single to put the game-tying run at the plate. Freshman Adisen Webster hit a ball into a gap between left and center field scoring Asche from first and recording a double. The Barons withstood the run and managed to close out the Knights earning the 3-2 victory.

Sarah Keating earns the win for the Barons, tossing seven innings, surrendering six hits, two runs, two walks, and six strikeouts.

Megan Daniels is dealt the loss also going a complete game, allowing eight hits, three runs (one earned), and four punch outs.

The Knights totaled six hits as a team with hits from Asche, Christensen, Webster, Caitlin Barber, Jordan Stites, and Mykayla Johnson.

Southern Virginia will now host Franklin & Marshall tomorrow, Saturday Mar. 7, with the games set to begin at 2 and 4 p.m.