GREENVILLE, NC -- Victoria Masters hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Longwood University softball team defeated the University of Delaware, 5-3, Sunday in the semifinals of the Hampton Inn Pirate Clash hosted by East Carolina University.

The Blue Hens, who fell to 2-3 on the season, opened the scoring with three runs on just one hit in the top of the second inning. With one out Quinn Megargel (right) singled, and after Jessica Kozlowski reached on an error, Katie Lee walked to load the bases. Megargel then scored when Megan Grau reached on a error by the Longwood second baseman to put the Blue Hens on the board, and Kozlowski and Lee each scored when Barbara Traynor reached on an error by the Lancers catcher.

Delaware starting pitcher Carolynn Sloat threw four scoreless innings before Longwood, which improved to 9-6 on the year, pushed across one run in the bottom of the fifth. Mallory Gordon singled, advanced to second on a flyout, and scored when Kori Bonnor singled.

With one out in the bottom of the sixth Ryan Washington singled, and after she stole second, Shamana Washington worked a walk. Courtney Wilson followed with a single to score Ryan Washington and cut the Delaware lead to 3-2, and Sloat was replaced in the circle by Lindsay Jones. Masters then drilled a three-run homer to give Longwood the lead for good.

Megargel finished 2-for-3 with a run scored for the Blue Hens, while Kozlowski went 1-for-3 with a run scored. Michelle Plant had the other hit for Delaware.

The Blue Hens play their home opener on Wednesday when Delaware hosts UMBC in a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.

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