Related: Softball Bounces Flagler In Series Opener

PEMBROKE – Visiting Flagler registered five hits in a key 4-run first inning and held off a late charge by the UNC Pembroke softball team to register an 8-4 win in the series finale and forge a Saturday split at LRA Field.

The setback snapped a five-game win streak for UNCP (22-22, 8-12 PBC) who will play the final two games of the regular season on Sunday against 12th-ranked Armstrong Atlantic (26-11, 11-6). Hoping to attain one of eight berths for next weekend's Peach Belt Conference Tournament, the Braves need at least a split with the Pirates to keep itself alive for the final invite. Flagler (25-25, 11-9) has now won six of its last eight contests.

The Braves got base hits from seven different players, including all-American Brea Hartley who turned in a 3-for-4 outing with a run scored. Megan Hillard tripled and walked twice to key a 1-for-3 day at the plate, while Karlee Wilson (2-for-3) singled twice on three trips to the plate.

Flagler got home runs from both Melanie Oliver and Molly Whittington. Three different players, including Whittington, tallied two hits apiece for the Saints.

Selena Ashley (11-11) took the loss for the Black & Gold after allowing eight runs (six earned) on 11 hits and five walks, while also striking out four. Katelynn Smith (6-8) picked up the win for the visitors despite surrendering four earned runs on 10 hits and three walks.

Flagler used a leadoff homer from Whittington to pad its lead out to 5-0 in the fifth, but the Braves cut into their deficit with three runs in the bottom of the sixth to get back into the game. Oliver led off the seventh with a solo shot off the wall in centerfield, and the Saints pushed their advantage back out to five runs by crossing the plate twice following two costly errors by the Pembroke defense.

Taylor Cloninger's run scoring single with two outs in the bottom of the seventh would provide the final.

Sunday's doubleheader with the nationally-ranked Pirates will be preceded by Senior Day festivities at LRA Field. UNCP will honor its four-member senior class – Katy Austin, Cloninger, Shelby Holland and Natalie Klemann – prior to the 1 p.m. first pitch.

To watch the full game click HERE.