GREENWOOD, S.C. – The University of Montevallo softball team split a doubleheader with the Lander Bearcats, winning the first game, 2-1, and dropping the second game, 7-4.

In the first game, Montevallo got a dominant performance from junior Jostlyn Higgerson. Higgerson threw 6 1/3 innings, only allowing three hits and a single run. She added nine strikeouts to her league leading total.

Between the two games on Saturday afternoon, Higgerson now has 106 strikeouts.

Kelsey Vining was a perfect 3-for-3 in the game and scored both of the Falcons' runs, including a solo shot to right field to open up the scoring in the top of the third inning.

Vining also stole two bases in the game, including a steal of home plate in the fifth inning that put UM on top 2-0.

In addition to Vining, five Falcons recorded a hit in the victory: Celestia Davila, Jessica Mentzer, Sydney Aguilar, Sydney Abounassar, and Shelby Lopez.

Vining, Davila, and Mentzer all drew walks, as well.

In the second game, Lander jumped out to a 7-0 lead through four innings. In the top of the fifth, Montevallo had an offensive outburst, scoring four runs.

The first two runs scored after Abounassar hit her first career home run that plated Dylan Bailey, who led off the inning for a single.

Vining and Davila both got on base, executed a double steal, and scored on a Phoebe Dabbour single to center field.

It would prove to not be enough to complete the comeback, and UM fell to the Bearcats, 7-4.

Vining, Davila, and Abounassar all had multiple hits in the game, and Vining stole three bases, giving her five stolen bases on the day and catapulting her to the conference lead in bases stolen.

Higgerson earned the decision in both games and is non 9-9 on the year.

The Falcons are (12-14, 3-3) return to action tomorrow against USC Aiken.