Demorest, GA-The Salem College softball team earned an important road split with Piedmont College to keep the two teams tied at the top of the USA South West Division. Salem won the first game 4-3, before the Lions took the second game 2-0. The two teams are both tied with an 11-3 conference record, while Maryville and Huntingdon are tied in third at 8-4.

Salem jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first in game 1. Brianna Morris drove in Montana Lineberger and Jennifer Vitarelli with a single. The Spirits doubled their lead to 4-0 in the top of the fourth when Hannah Ogle drove in Brittany Morton and Amanda Dacunto.

Lauryn Smith picked up the win on the mound, as she allowed just 3 runs on 9 hits. Morris came in to close out the game in the 7th inning. Morris and Briana Crumley each had 2 hits for Salem.

The Spirits could not get their bats going in the second game. Dacunto and Ogle accounted for the Spirits only hits. Sydney Vaughn pitched a strong game on the mound only allowing 2 runs in 6 innings off of 10 hits.

The Spirits travel to Greensboro College on Saturday and to Averett on Sunday for more USA South action.