LYNCHBURG, Va., – Liberty built a 6-1 lead after the first two innings, then held off the University of North Alabama softball team for a 6-3 home victory Sunday afternoon to complete a three-game ASUN Conference sweep. The loss leaves UNA with a 22-10 overall record and a 1-5 mark in league games.
 
The Flames grabbed the early lead with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning.
 
UNA answered in the top of the second. Meleah Hargett doubled to right field before reaching third on a Liberty error. She scored on a passed ball to cut the deficit to 2-1.
 
In the bottom of the frame, Liberty sent eight batters to the plate. A two-run double, an RBI-single and another run-scoring double extended the home team's lead to 6-1 and chased UNA starter Sophie Golliver from the circle.
 
Elana Escobar came in to pitch the final 4.2 innings. She scattered two hits without giving up a run, but the deficit proved to be too much to overcome for the Lions.
 
UNA got a solo home run by Harley Stokes in the top of the fourth. In the top of the seventh, Hailey Jones singled and later scored on an error, but the Lions left the tying run at the plate. For the day, UNA recorded 10 hits but was 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
 
Jones was 3-for-4 at the plate. Hargett and Emma Broadfoot also each posted a 2-for-3 showing. Golliver took the pitching loss to fall to 6-2 on the season.
 
UNA will host Memphis in a single game on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at the Hilda B. Anderson Softball Complex.