NEWBERRY – The Newberry College softball team dropped a pair of games to UVa-Wise Saturday afternoon at the Smith Road Complex. The Cavaliers won game one 6-0, before fending off a resilient Newberry squad 3-2 in game two.

In game two, UVa-Wise (7-7) scored three runs on two hits in the third, but Newberry (16-7) answered in the bottom of the frame. Christina Linton crushed her second home run of the season to right center, cutting UVa-Wise’s lead to 3-1.

Newberry would inch even closer in the fourth, scoring a run after Myranda Dills notched a double that plated Kendall Tipton.

Emily Marchbanks allowed just one hit after the third inning, keeping the Wolves in the contest. Linton drew a two-out walk in the bottom of the seventh bringing up Natalie Willis to the plate. Willis locked in a tough battle with Taylor Brandts, fouling off seven pitches before Brandts just caught the inside corner to preserve the win for the Cavaliers.

Linton went 2-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI. Willis, Rachel Marion and Dills all recorded hits in the nightcap for Newberry.

Marchbanks pitched 7.0 strong innings, striking out six batters on the afternoon.

UVa-Wise scored three runs in the first inning of the opener and never looked back, taking game one by a final of 6-0.

Willis, Hailey Drawe, Simonds and Marion all recorded hits for Newberry. Devon Morrison struck out three in 3.0 innings, and Simonds struck out two after tossing 4.0 innings. The Cavaliers were 4-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Newberry will travel to Augusta (7-23) for a non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.