A surprise email led to a conversation she couldn’t keep to herself

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — A Prince William County woman stunned her boss with unexpected news after an email from the Virginia Lottery revealed she had won a $200,000 Powerball prize.

The woman, who claimed her prize anonymously as permitted under Virginia law, said she initially thought the email had to be a mistake.

“This can’t be right!” she recalled thinking after seeing the notification.

Unable to keep the news to herself, she texted her boss, saying, “I have a big secret, but I have to tell you in person. I want to see your expression!”

When she finally shared the news, his response was simple.

“Get out!” he told her.

The winning online ticket was purchased for the March 4 Powerball drawing using the Easy Pick option, which randomly selected the numbers.

The ticket matched four of the first five numbers plus the Powerball. That combination normally wins $50,000, but because the player added the Power Play option for an additional dollar, her prize was multiplied to $200,000.

The winning numbers were 7, 14, 42, 47 and 56, with Powerball 6.

The Prince William County resident said she plans to use the winnings for home renovations and travel.

Virginia residents who are at least 18 years old and physically located in the Commonwealth can purchase eligible Virginia Lottery games online, including Powerball, Mega Millions and Cash 5 with EZ Match.

Key Points

• A Prince William County woman won a $200,000 Powerball prize after purchasing her ticket online.
• The Power Play option increased her prize from $50,000 to $200,000.
• She plans to use the winnings for home renovations and travel.