CLEMMONS, N.C. – The Paine College softball team used a two-RBI base hit in the bottom of the ninth to defeat third-seeded Fort Lauderdale Monday afternoon.

The Lady Lions are now 7-21 on the season.

PC jumped on top with a run in the bottom of the first when Katherine Sugilio's groundout plated Dara Ayovi. Tied at 1-1 in the fourth, E Segura ripped a single to right field to drive in Sugilio for a one-run edge.

Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, the Lady Lions forced extra frames. Kamari Blackmon reached on an error and hustled to second on Brionna King's base hit. A sacrifice bunt pushed both runners up a base. Jakiyra Lemmon's groundout scored Blackmon.

UFL scored two runs in the eighth but PC was up for the challenge. Leticia Y. Omori was hit by a pitch and went to second on Sugilio's single. On a strikeout, an error occurred allowing Leidy Garcia to score. Moments later, Blackmon's single plated Sugilio to make it 5-5.

Down 6-5 in the ninth, Ka'niyah Robertson recorded an infield single. Ayovi's bunt single put two runners on base. Omori's grounder allowed both runners to be in scoring position. Sugilio rocketed a single to left field, driving in Robertson and Ayovi for the 7-6 victory.

For the game, Sugilio led the way with three hits, three RBI and two runs scored. Segura and Robertson had two base knocks apiece. King and Ayovi each had one hit. Ayovi crossed home twice in the win.

Omori picked up the victory after tossing the last four innings. Monica Cagle got the start in the circle and worked the first five frames.  

The Lady Lions return to action tomorrow when they square off against Carolina at 11 a.m.