LYNCHBURG, Va. — Sam Houston evened its Conference USA series with a 3-1 win over No. 22 Liberty on Friday at Liberty Softball Complex. 

The Bearkats (24-22, 12-8 CUSA) knocked off their first ranked opponent since 2023, when they defeated No. 25 Texas A&M. 

Allie Saville jump-started the offense with a two-run home run in the top of the fourth to give Sam Houston a 2-1 lead. 

The Flames scored their lone run in the bottom of the first, but starter Abigail Young (6-2) held them scoreless the rest of the way. She tossed a complete game, striking out three, including the final batter. 

Samantha Graeter added an insurance run by scoring on a wild pitch in the sixth. 

Five different Bearkats recorded hits, with Jenny Robison leading the way with three. 

Sam Houston will go for the series win Saturday at 11 a.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.