FLORENCE, S.C.----The Lander softball team split its two games Saturday at the Patriot Invitational hosted by Francis Marion University. Lander defeated West Virginia State, 13-4, in its first game, then lost to Newberry, 8-4.

The Bearcats drop to 11-19 overall.

Against West Virginia State, which was called in the fifth inning due to the eight-run rule, Melissa Ryals and Lib Harris both hit home runs, while Daisy Stewart and Leigh Ann Kelly went 2-for-3. Ashlea Burdette was the winning pitcher.

Against Newberry, Natalie Smith hit a home run and Stewart had a two-RBI double. Austin Murray was the losing pitcher.