Salem, Va. – The Hornets' season came to a close in Salem, Virginia, after an impressive 14-0 win over No. 8 Averett, followed by a 6-0 loss to top-ranked Virginia Wesleyan.

In the opening game of the day, Lynchburg faced Averett for the third time this season after splitting their regular-season meetings. The Hornets dominated from start to finish, led by a stellar combined shutout from Emily Charlton and Kate Charlton. Emily tossed four scoreless innings before handing the ball off to Kate, who closed out the game.

Lynchburg's offense exploded in the second inning, plating 10 runs in a relentless hit parade. Five different Hornets reached base with singles, while Bri Hodges and Madison Barnes each collected two hits in the frame alone.

The momentum carried into the third inning, where Lynchburg added three more runs. Lexi Powell notched her third hit of the game, and RBIs from Alyssa Talayumptewa, Kaleigh Hackett, and Bri Hodges helped extend the lead. Sarah Watts drove in the final run of the game with a single that scored Addison Walter.

With a commanding performance on both sides of the ball, the Hornets secured a run-rule victory in the fifth inning, setting up a rematch with No. 1 Virginia Wesleyan.

The Marlins, who earned a bye after sweeping the first day of tournament play, were playing their first game of the day.

Lynchburg tried to carry over its momentum, with Carly Hudnall leading off the game with a single. However, that would be one of just three hits the Hornets managed against Virginia Wesleyan's pitching.

The Marlins struck first with a two-out RBI single in the opening frame and never looked back. They added five more unanswered runs to secure the 6-0 win and eliminate the Hornets from the tournament.

Lynchburg concludes its season with a 26-16 record, having made a valiant playoff run after a challenging regular season that featured matchups against four nationally ranked opponents.

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--LYN--