Clermont, Fla. - After a much-needed day off, Georgian Court University returned to the diamond Thursday with a pair of hard-fought contests vs. regional-foe LIU Post and the University of Minnesota Duluth on day four of the 2018 PFX Spring Games.

In the opener, LIU Post looked as if they would make quick work of the Lions as the Pioneers took a quick 7-0 advantage after just three innings of action. GCU sliced the deficit to just three runs (7-4) with a four-spot in the top of the fourth, highlighted by a three-run double from Marissa Trezza and an infield single of the bat of Malia Black.

LIU Post (3-2) answered with two more tallies in the home half of the fourth to take a 9-4 advantage. GCU's lineup continued to put its mettle on display with another four runs in the fifth after RBI efforts from Samantha Salomon (double), Lindsey Fischbach (single), Trezza (fielder's choice) and Caitlin Hughes (single). Up by only one (9-8), the Pioneers tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the fifth and another insurance digit in the sixth to keep the Lions at arm's length the rest of the way and secure the 12-8 triumph.

Hannah Olshevski lasted long enough to earn the win for the Pioneers (4.0 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 BB, 2 K) while teammate Hanna Finkelstein (3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 K) calmed the storm and earned her first win of the season. 

GCU starter, Taylor Baloga (0-2), was labeled with the loss (2.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K).

In the nightcap, Minnesota-Duluth took an initial 2-0 advantage in the top of the first frame, courtesy of a two-run blast to center by C Jessica Bren. The score would hold until the bottom of the fourth when a Samantha Reilly ribbie double sliced the deficit to 2-1. 

The Bulldogs (15-3) posted a crooked number with a five-spot in the fifth coming off three GCU errors, three walks and just one hit to take a 7-1 lead. Bren struck again in the sixth stanza by crunching her second two-run shot of the game, ultimately sending home the Lions early in a 9-1, six-inning decision.

Breanna Swint (6-3) went the distance for the Bulldogs, allowing the lone run (1 ER) on four hits, a walk and nine strikeouts. Trezza (0-2) suffered the defeat in the circle for the Lions (4.1 IP, 4 H, 7 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K).

Georgian Court (5-8) looks to snap its four-game losing streak Friday morning with regional showdowns vs. the University of Bridgeport (9:00 a.m.) and Mercyhurst University (11:30 a.m.).