Springfield, Mo. -The Missouri Southern softball team (12-8) traded a pair of shutouts today in Springfield, Mo. at the first MIAA Crossover of 2011.

Game One

The Southern offense fell quiet against the Northwest Missouri Bearcats, in a 8-0 six inning defeat.  Sophomore Jessica Brooks was the bright spot for the Lions going 2-for-2 at the plate.  Southern could only muster three other hits as seniors Megan Roark and Lauren Hasty and junior Brooke Hurley collected the hits.

Sophomore Kayce Moore (1-2) suffered the loss for Southern going 2 1/3 innings giving up six runs.  Senior Tiffany Bennett came in relief in the third and allowed just two runs on five hits.

Game Two

In game two the Lions bats came alive striking the Truman Bulldogs for 13 runs on 13 hits in just five innings.

Junior Natalie Nelson went 3-for-4 at the dish and Brooks belted her first home run of the season as the Lions lit up Truman pitching for 8 runs in the bottom of the third inning.  Collecting multiple hits for Southern besides Nelson were Brooks and junior Breanna Volkmann, (2-for-3 with 2 runs scored.

Junior Nicole Reed (8-2) pitched all five innings for the Lions earning the shut out win.  Reed allowed just one hit while walking three and striking out five.  Reed faced only 19 Truman Bulldog hitters.

The Lions will take on the Washburn Lady Blues tomorrow at 10 am followed by the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks at noon.  All game this weekend in the MIAA Crossover are being played at the Cooper Sports Complex in Springfield, Mo.