LaGrange, GA-The Salem College softball team has advanced to the championship round of the USA South Tournament after a split today. The Spirits will play Maryville tomorrow at 2:00. If they win, they will play Maryville again at 4:00 with the winner hoisting the championship trophy. 

The Spirits played a tight game with Maryville at 12:00 today as the Scots scored 2 late runs for a 2-1 win. In a must win game, Salem defeated Meredith 7-5 to advance to tomorrow's championships.

Kayla Ogle pitched 6 innings against Maryville, and only allowed 2 runs on 4 hits. Both runs were scored in the bottom of the sixth. Montana Lineberger and Miranda Barker accounted for both of Salem's hits. Lineberger also scored Salem's lone run.

Salem's bats came alive against Meredith. The Spirits scored 2 runs in the 1st inning and 4 runs in the 4th inning to take a 6-0 lead. Meredith cut it to 6-1 in the 6th and Salem added a run in the top of the 7th. The Avenging Angels went on a run in their last at bat, but Ogle came in for the save to give Salem the 7-5 win. Barker pitched 6.1 innings and gave up 5 runs.

Jennifer Vitarelli and Barker each had 3 hits for Salem. Lineberger led the team with 3 runs batted in. Vitarelli and Lineberger each scored twice for the Spirits.

Salem is now 25-16 overall for the season.