Joplin, Mo. - Missouri Southern Softball (11-31, 4-14 MIAA) dropped a pair of MIAA games to Northwest Missouri (19-19, 12-8 MIAA) Saturday afternoon at Lea Kungle Field.

Game One

Northwest Missouri struck first as they scored three runs in the top of the first as the Bearcats took advantage of five hits and one Southern error. The Lions answered right back in the home half as Alana Hester led off with a single to left then stole second to put herself into scoring position. Abi Corbett then walked on four straight pitches and ball four sent Hester to third as it sailed wide right of the NWMSU catcher. After Corbett stole second Myranda Stewart singled home Hester and then advanced to second on the throw to the plate. On the first pitch to Michala Wood, Corbett scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-2.

That would be the closest the Lions got as Northwest would add four runs, all unearned, in the top of the fourth to break the game open at 7-2. The Bearcats would then add a run in the fifth and one again in the seventh for the 9-2 final.

Ashley Lutz (6-13) got the start for the Lions as she went three innings allowing seven runs, three earned, on eight hits. Shelby Mitchell pitched four innings in relief allowing two runs, both earned, on six hits with four strike outs.

Game Two

The night cap started out as a pitcher's duel between Kendle Schieber and Kali' Hodson as both pitchers combined to allow just three hits through the first four innings. Southern collected two hits in the first as Hester led off the inning with a single to right and Stewart came up with a one out single to left. Northwest Missouri would get its single in the third and Schieber hit a single through the left side of the infield. 

NWMSU then took advantage of four hits and a Lions' error in the fifth as they scored three runs, two earned, to take the 3-0 lead. The Bearcats would add two more runs in the sixth on a two run home run by Schieber.

Southern would muster just two more hits a double to left center by Kathryn Goins-Osburn in the fifth and Stewart's single to left in the seventh.

Hodson (2-13) went the distance inside the circle allowing five runs, two earned, on seven hits with three strike outs.

On The Day

Stewart led the offenisve attack for the Lions going 3-for-6 (.500) at the plate with the lone RBI. Dru Coleman finished the day at .400 (2-for-5) and Goins-Osburn and Lindsey Gorham both had doubles, the only two extra base hits for Southern on the day.

Up Next

The Lions will be back in action on Monday as they travel to Claremore, Oklahoma to play a non-conference double header against Rogers State. First pitch from Diamond Sports Complex is scheduled for 4pm.