Raleigh, NC-The Salem College softball team picked up a win and almost defeated the defending national champions of Virginia Wesleyan in their second game in Raleigh yesterday. The Spirits came from behind to defeat Eastern Mennonite 4-3 in extra innings. Virginia Wesleyan was able to hold-off the Spirits in a close 1-0 win. Salem is now 6-4 overall, while EMU fell to 0-2 and Virginia Wesleyan improved to 6-0.

The Spirits had pitching gems from Miranda Barker, Brianna Morris, and Kayla Ogle. Barker picked up the win against EMU as she gave up 3 runs on 5 hits. Morris only allowed 1 run in 4 innings against Virginia Wesleyan, while Ogle came in for relief.

The Spirits were behind 1-0 in the bottom of the 7th against EMU. They tied the game to force extra innings. EMU took a 3-1 lead in the top of the 8th, before Salem scored 3 runs for the win including a Montana Lineberger walk-off hit. Virginia Wesleyan's Hanna Hull threw a gem as she pitched her first career perfect game against the Spirits.

Lineberger and Katie Bilbrey led the Spirits with 2 hits for the day. Lineberger also had 2 runs batted in.

The Spirits will play Randolph and Randolph Macon today in Raleigh.