FLORENCE - The Lander softball team snapped a six-game losing streak Saturday afternoon when the Bearcats defeated Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), 5-0, in their opening game of the Francis Marion Invitational at the Freedom Florence Recreation Complex.

Lander improves to 9-12 overall.

Carrie Hudson led things off in the first inning with a solo home run. Lander extended the lead to 2-0 in the sixth when Hudson's RBI single plated Sara Senn. Haley Foster's three-run homer in the seventh put the game out of reach.

Haley Leissner (6-9) earned the victory on the mound as she struck out 13 and allowed just two hits in the complete seven innings.

In Saturday's tournament games, Lander will face Salem International at 1 p.m. and St. Leo at 5.