BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Jordan Goedel's pinch-hit three-run homer in the seventh inning handed Lafayette softball a 7-6 walk-off victory over North Dakota State on Saturday afternoon.
 
It was Goedel's first home run of the season and second decisive long ball for the Leopards in as many days as Caroline Hall's two-run shot was the impetus for a 3-1 victory over New Haven on Friday at the Spring in the Springs tournament.
 
The Leopards got off to a quick start, taking advantage of NDSU errors in the first two innings. Katie Harrington and Kylee Sweet each plated runners in the opening frame. In the second, Lafayette stretched its lead to 3-0. Maggie Klug singled and later scored on a Hall single.
 
North Dakota State cut into the Leopards lead in the top of the third. Amai Hanta's solo home run and an RBI-double from Bella Dean made it 3-2. The Bison turned the tide in the top of the fifth inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Mya Boos delivered a grand slam off Lafayette rookie starter Andy Hegarty that pushed the visitors ahead 6-3.
 
The Leopards inched closer in the sixth inning, bringing home a run on an error before stranding two runners with Lafayette trailing 6-3.
 
In the seventh, Lafayette set the table for Goedel's heroics with singles by Sweet and Ava Butler. NDSU pitcher Madison Wihlm managed to get Klug to fly out for the second out of the inning before Goedel came to the plate and ended the suspense.
 
Senior Marisa Powell earned the circle victory via 2.2 innings of relief of Hegarty. Powell scattered two hits with a walk. Wilhm (5-1) was dealt her first loss of the season, allowing three earned runs on five hits over the final 2.2 innings.
 
The Leopards will finish off their Saturday action at 5:30 p.m. vs. host Gardner-Webb,