WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College's softball used a 8-4 victory over Goshen to earn a home-series split on Thursday afternoon.

After dropping the opener 6-3, the Lancers (8-12, 4-8 Crossroads League) were led to the game-two victory by an impressive performance in the circle from Chloe Huff.

The freshman pitched six complete innings while limiting Goshen to three hits and allowing just one earned run. Huff also struckout six batters.

Each team had a pair of hits in the opening frame, but neither team crossed a run. The Lancers came close after loading the bases with just one out, but a pair of groundouts ended the threat.

The Maple Leafs (16-8, 5-5 CL) struck first in the top of the second inning and again in the fourth inning to claim a 2-0 lead late in the contest.

Montana Brinks and Halle Nett started the fifth inning with a pair of singles to the left side of the diamond and Jerri Ellis got the Lancers on the board with an RBI single.

Cassie Hayes then catapulted Grace into the lead with a double into deep right field that allowed Nett and Ellis to come safely home.

The Lancers entered the seventh inning with a 3-2 lead, but Grace was unable to maintain the advantage. The Maple Leafs offense came alive for four runs in the seventh inning.

Hayes had another double in the bottom of the seventh, but it was not enough for Grace as they fell 6-3.

Goshen looked to carry their momentum from the end of the opener into game two and scored a pair of runs in the opening frame.

The Lancers answered back in their half of the inning though after taking advantage of some shaky plays from Goshen's defense.

Grace doubled their run total in the third inning to grab a 4-2 lead. Nett singled in Kali Kahalekomo and Maisy Harlow to give the Lancers their first lead of the contest.

Huff was dominant in the circle for Grace, allowing just one hit after the first inning, which allowed Grace to add to their advantage in the fourth inning.

After falling behind 0-2 in the count Bree Gardinier had a no-doubt home run that sailed well over the centerfield fence. Madison Gainey added another tally to Grace's mark with an RBI single that brought in Ellis to score.

The sixth inning was the third consecutive frame that the Lancers crossed two runs. Brinks and Ellis each had RBIs in the inning to help grow Grace's lead to 8-2.

Kierstin Fickas came in to pitch the final inning and recorded three outs to help Grace seal the 8-4 victory.

Gardinier had a home run in her only at bat, while also reaching base via walks twice. Nett had two hits and RBIs.

Grace will return to action on Saturday for a doubleheader against St. Francis.