WASHINGTON D.C. – Following two more victories on the road over Gallaudet (3-3) Thursday afternoon, the Southern Virginia University Softball team improves to 8-2 on the year—its best start in program history.

Game one was close until a frenzy of scoring in the top of the sixth put the game out of reach for the home team, ending the game after their portion of the inning.

Both teams got on the board in the opening inning, with the Knights opening the scoring following a Krystal Kemp double saw Dykell Jones reach home from first after being walked. Mattison Christensen was then walked, and another double, this time by Krailyn Guymon, brought both runners in to make the score 3-0, with all three runs being tallied while there were two outs.

Gallaudet answered in their portion of the inning following a two-run homer by Christina Elsbury.

Southern Virginia, however, would add to its lead in the next inning, with Jones registering her second run after being brought in by a Jaci Shumway double.

In the bottom of the third, the Bison would tie the contest at four after an Ariel Senics double brought in two runners.

The fourth and fifth innings were scoreless, but a 12-run inning in the top of the sixth saw Southern Virginia soar past Gallaudet.

The inning was all Kemp's as she tallied two home runs, including a grand slam, for six RBIs. "The inning was a team effort," Kemp declared. "We talked before about laying some bunts down, and we executed three times in a row to load the bases. I was fortunate enough to hit one out, which was really fun! That wasn't the end, though, as we started another run after that. I'm just really proud of everyone for executing so well."

The Bison could not recover from the outburst, and Malia Davis was strong at the mound to force three outs from the first three at-bats to end game one.

In game number two, the Knights again managed to put points on the board in the top of the first. A throwing error saw Jones get on first, and then she advanced all the way to third, with Matea Manuleleua reaching home for the contest's first run. A single to left field brought in Jones to push the advantage to two.

In the following inning, Southern Virginia increased its lead. Arianna Prymak reached home after Jones singled to center field.

The bat stayed hot for the Knights in the top of the third, adding four more runs to make it a seven-run contest. Prymak smacked a ball to right center, bringing in three runs and reaching third on the hit. Then, Manueleleua grounded out but brought in Prymak for her second run of the game.

The Knights would not be slowed down in the next inning, adding yet another run. Kadence VanDivner tallied her first career RBI after bringing in Shumway, increasing the score to 8-0.

Gallaudet finally held Southern Virginia scoreless in the top of the fifth. Then, they started to chip away at the lead, scoring three runs in their portion of the inning to cut the deficit to five.

Southern Virginia, however, got a run back in the top of the next inning, with Madison Lloyd scoring after a throwing error.

The Bison would add a run in the bottom of the sixth, but neither team was able to get on the board in the final inning, causing the game to end with a score of 9-4 in favor of the Knights.

Madison Lloyd recorded her first win in her first appearance at the mound of the year, pitching all seven innings and allowing just four runs.

Prymak led the way in game number two, registering season-highs in hits, runs and RBIs. The two RBIs in the first game push her to five on the afternoon, second most on the team behind Kemp.

The two wins propel the Knights to 8-2 and give them three straight triumphs. When asked about the impressive start to the season, senior captain, Krystal Kemp, said, "it feels amazing to have such a great start. This is where we always knew the program could get to, and I think we are building a lot of momentum."

Southern Virginia will play its ninth and tenth straight road games on Tuesday, Mar. 14, when they take on Roanoke College.

For all the most up-to-date information regarding Southern Virginia University softball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_softball on Instagram.