FLORENCE, Ala. -- University of North Alabama sophomore second baseman Hailey Jones of Summertown, Tenn., hit two home runs and drove in three runs to lead the Lions to an 8-2 season-opening softball win over Mississippi Valley State at the Hilda B. Anderson Softball Complex.

The Lions trailed the Devilettes 1-0 in the third inning when Mississippi Valley scored the game's first run on a walk, two bunt singles and a bases loaded walk to Kaitlyn Harper.

North Alabama responded quickly with three runs in the bottom of the third to take its first lead of the game. Jones got a double with one out to start the rally. Then, with two outs, Gracie Benton singled to send Jones to third and then moved up on the throw to put two runners in scoring position. A Haven Kirby double scored both runners and gave UNA a 2-1 lead. A Sydney Bevis single then scored Kirby to make it 3-1.

The Lions added two more runs in the fifth as Mckenzie Patterson reached on a fielder's choice and then scored on a two-run blast by Jones to right field. That homer gave the Lions a 5-1 advantage.

Mississippi Valley got its second run of the day in the fifth when Jade Smith singled, stole second and later scored on a wild pitch.

The Lions padded their lead in the seventh as Jones hit her second homer of the day and Georgia Land followed with a solo shot of her own to make it 7-2. Kirby then singled, stole second and scored on an RBI-single by Sidney Bevis to make the final count 8-2.

Bevis had three singles and a walk in the game, while Jones and Kirby were both 3-for-4.

UNA starter Elena Escobar got the win, pitching five complete innings and allowing two runs on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.

Sophie Goliver pitch two shutout innings to close the game. She did not allow a hit and struckout four.

With rain beginning, the second game of the scheduled double-header was moved to Sunday. The Lions and Devilettes will now play a Sunday double-header beginning at noon.