GREENWOOD – McKenzi Ferguson tossed a four-hit shutout to help the Lander softball team earn a split of a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader against Georgia Southwestern on Saturday afternoon at Doug Spears Field. Lander dropped the first game 2-1, before defeating the Hurricanes 1-0.

Lander moves to 13-23 overall and 5-9 in the PBC, while GSW is 15-19, (3-7).

In the first game, GSW's Shannon Gibson (5-6) earned the win after striking out two, walking five and allowing one run on eight hits in seven innings.

Brianna Surrento (3-10) took the loss for Lander, striking out two, walking one and allowing two runs on seven hits in the complete seven innings.

Georgia Southwestern plated both of its runs in the first inning when Brittany Davis scored on a flyout from Hayley Tierce and Joshlyn Martin homered to give the Hurricanes a 2-0 lead.

Lander attempted to rally in the bottom of the seventh. After Surrento singled and Chandler Carey walked, Kelli McCormack grounded into a fielder's choice that put runners on first and third with one out. Dariean Ward then brought home the Bearcats' first run of the day with a sacrifice fly, but Halie Sorrow grounded out to end the game. 

For Lander, Carey batted 2-for-3 with a walk.

In the second game, McKenzi Ferguson (8-10) earned the win with a four-hit shutout. The junior struck out four batters and walked two.

GSW's Brittany Childs (7-7) was tagged with the loss after walking one and allowing one unearned runs on three hits in six innings.

Lander scored the lone run of the game when Makenzie Smith was hit by a pitch in the bottom of first, stole second and then scored on an error. 

The Bearcats host Southern Wesleyan on Tuesday night for a non-conference doubleheader.