HICKORY, N.C. — The Newberry Wolves put up a strong fight at Durham Field but were unable to overcome a late surge from Lenoir-Rhyne, falling 7-4 in a conference battle on Friday afternoon.

Newberry got off to a promising start in the second inning when Logan Busenlehner gave the Wolves the lead with a two-RBI single, scoring Anthony Plotkin who reached on a single and Wilson Wages who got on with a hit by pitch. 

Starting pitcher Ethan LeBron worked efficiently through the early innings, striking out six batters over six innings of work. He kept the Bears in check until the seventh, where a four-run outburst shifted the momentum.

The Wolves remained within striking distance, trailing 5-2 entering the ninth. Another clutch two-RBI hit by Busenlehner, who went 3-for-4 on the day with four RBIs, cut the deficit to two. However, Lenoir-Rhyne responded and sealed the final outs of the game.

The Wolves will build on this match when they face the Bears in a double header SAC event on Saturday for 1pm and 3pm start times.