BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Lisbeth McCurry hit a 3-run homer and Megan Richards did not allow an earned run Friday as Campbell defeated Presbyterian 5-3 to open a Big South Conference softball series at Amanda Littlejohn Stadium.
 
Richards (15-9) scattered five hits and three walks while striking out five and surrendering three unearned runs as the Camels (23-23, 10-9) won their fifth-straight game.
 
McCurry's 3-run shot – her 14th homer of the season – keyed a four-run third inning as the Camels handed the Blue Hose (3-38) their eighth-straight loss.
 
PC capitalized on Macy Hyatt's two-out single and a pair of errors to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the third.
 
However, the Camels answered on Rachel McCollum's RBI double in the bottom of the frame.  After Caroline Smith walked, McCurry launched a 1-1 offering from Kaylee Allen (1-17) just left of the flag pole in left center.
 
In the fourth, freshman Hannah McCravy collected her first collegiate hit and later scored on an error.
 
PC added a pair of unearned runs in the top of the seventh and had the tying run on first base before Richards was able to get Hyatt to ground out to end the game.
 
Allen allowed four run on four hits and three walks in 2 2/3 innings.  PC reliever Camryn Alverson allowed one unearned run on one hit in 3 1/3 frames.
 
Hyatt led the Blue Hose at the plate with a pair of singles in four trips.
 
The teams conclude the series with a doubleheader Saturday at 2:00 p.m.  The first game of the twin bill will air on ESPN3.