RALEIGH, N.C. - With a three-hit, three-run finish, the Meredith College softball team edged the visiting LaGrange Panthers 8-7 in game one of Sunday's USA South doublheader. But the Panthers ended game two early on a 9-1 finish.

LaGrange opened the day with a pair of runs during the first three innings, but Meredith's Eran Artigues drilled a home run and scored Amanda White on the play to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth frame.

A pair of infield missteps left Meredith vulnerable to two more Panther runs in the top of the fifth, but White and Artigues partnered again in the bottom of the inning to drive in three more runs to give the Angels the lead.

Kayla North advanced on a single and Katlyn Johnson launched a long double to move North to the corner. White scored both runners and moved to third on a wild pitch to set up Artigues' hit to left.

LaGrange challenged Meredith with a three-run series in the top of the seventh, but Meredith responded.

Johnson advanced on a single down the right field line, and Brittany Bucklin moved Johnson with help from a Panther miscue. White scored both runners on another double, and Artigues secured the win with a single to center.

The Panthers served up another challenge in the nightcap, but Meredith's reply fell short.

LaGrange tallied three runs on five hits in the opening frame and another run in next inning to take a 4-0 lead. In the top of the third, Dani Gravett drove in three more runs on a double through the left side to extend the Panther advantage to seven.

A solo home run in the top of the fourth from Panther Emily Barrs continued the offensive pressure, but Meredith rookie Maria Annunziata responded with a triple to center field. She scored White on the play to put the Avenging Angels on the scoreboard.

The success was shortlived as LaGrange spread the gap to eight to end the game early in the sixth.

Angel pitcher Taylor Jackson earned the split on the day, while Kara Patterson took the game one loss and Olivia Wolfe the win for LaGrange.

Meredith travels to Myrtle Beach this week for the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic. The Angels face fellow women's college Bay Path at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, followed by the Cairn Highlanders that afternoon. The team closes out the spring break event with Pitt-Greensburg and Gettysburg Wednesday.