Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern softball team dropped a pair of games this afternoon in an MIAA double-header at home to 24th-ranked Missouri Western falling in game one 5-2 and game two 4-0.

The Lions (17-15, 4-6 MIAA) were unable to generate much offense in either game as they combined for only five hits on the day that would only score two runs.

The Lions would fall behind 4-0 in game one on a pair of runs in the top of the fourth and fifth innings by the Griffons. They would cut Western's lead in half in the bottom of the sixth when left fielder Chloe Brown would get on base drawing a one-out walk. Center fielder Alana Hester would single moving Brown to second and second baseman Brooke Swadley would draw a walk loading the bases for Shelby Romines. Romines would fly out to right field, but first baseman Dawn Grass would pick her up lacing a two-run RBI single to center field plating Brown and Hester.

The Griffons (22-8, 6-2) would add a run in the top of the seventh as the Lions would be unable to mount a comeback. Haley Kinnison (6-3) would start game one pitching five innings giving up only five hits, but four earned runs while striking out three. Jackie Bishop (11-3) would get the win for the Griffons pitching seven innings giving only three hits, two earned runs while striking out 10 Lions. 

The Lions would only be able to garner two hits in game two as Romines and Kinnison would each have singles. The Griffons would score a pair of runs in the top of the second and fifth innings and use a strong performance from starting pitcher Janie Smith (11-3) who would pitch seven innings giving up only two hits and zero runs.

The Lions return to action Saturday at home when they host Northwest Missouri (17-7, 5-3) in an MIAA-double-header at Lea Kungle Field at noon.