Duncan, SC – The Emmanuel Softball Lions continued play in the Conference Carolinas Championship in a win or go home game against #1 seed and defending conference champions, Francis Marion. The Patriots took an early lead, 7-0, but a 3-run homerun by Jaryn Gibson in the top of the 5^th would keep the game competitive, but the Patriots would hold on to win 7-4. With the loss, the Lions fall to 23-29 on the season. 

The Patriots got on the board first in the bottom of the 1^st with 2 runs on 3 hits to take a 2-0 lead. 

Francis Marion would add to their lead in the bottom of the 2^nd with 5 runs on 3 hits and an error to make it 7-0. 

The Lions would get on the board in the top of the 4^th. Jaryn Gibson would start things off with a single through the left side. Gabby Buffington would single through the left side, with Reagan Smith (pinch runner for Gibson) getting thrown out at 2^nd. Ciara Passmore kept the inning going with a 2-out double to left center to score Buffington, making the score 7-1 Patriots. 

In the top of the 5^th, the Lions continued their rally. Grace Ausborn walked to start off the at-bat. Ellee Varner singled to shortstop to advance Ausborn to 2^nd. Jaryn Gibson took full advantage of runners in scoring position by hitting a 3-run homerun to left field to cut the Patriots lead to 7-4. 

Although the Lions would threaten to score more, the Patriots held on to win, 7-4 ending the Lions phenomenal conference tournament run. 

At the plate, Jaryn Gibson went 2-4 with 3 RBI's and Ellee Varner went 2-4 with a run scored. 

In the circle, Carly Forrester started things off going an inning and giving up 6 runs on 4 hits, walking 2 batters. Reagan Garrett closed out the game pitching 5.0 strong innings giving up a run on 4 hits. 

For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.