FERRUM, Va. -- Ferrum College split a USA South Athletic Conference softball doubleheader with Methodist University, falling 12-11 in the opener before taking the nightcap 5-2 tonight at Franklin Community Bank Field.

The Panthers scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to cut the lead to a run before falling just short in the opener.  Ferrum came back to post the win in the nightcap behind a strong pitching performance by Amanda Roberts, who pitched a complete seven-inning game with five hits allowed and four strikeouts.

Right fielder Alicia Eichenlaub combined to go 4-8 in two games with a run scored and two RBI.  Sadie Wallace had a three-run homer in the fifth inning of the opener for Ferrum.  The Monarchs (9-24, 6-14 USA South) had 19 base hits in game one.

Ferrum (16-10, 11-7 USA South) returns to action Thursday, April 3, at Maryville College.  The USA South doubleheader gets underway at 3:00 p.m. in Maryville, Tennessee.  The Panthers then entertain USA South rival William Peace University Sunday, April 6, at 1:00 p.m.