Joplin, Mo. - Missouri Southern Softball Lions split their opening games of the 2016 Teri Mathis Zenner Memorial Tournament on Saturday afternoon/evening at the Joplin Athletic Complex, defeating previously unbeaten Sioux Falls (S.D.) 3-2 before falling to McKendree 6-1.

Game One
USF struck early with a run in both the first and second innings to take a 2-0 lead before Southern would get on the board in the home half of the third. In that inning senior Alana Hester led off with a four pitch walk and then stole second, her 17th swipe of the season, advanced to third on a ground out to shortstop and scored on a throwing error by the USF first baseman as they tried to pick Hester off at third. The Lions took the lead in the next inning that started with freshman Angel Badalamenti led off with a double to deep right center and advanced to third on a smoked single to right field by reigning Astro Turf/MIAA hitter of the week junior Sydney Fry. Fry stole second, drawing an errant throw from the Cougars catcher that allowed Badalamenti to score from third. After senior Sarah Williams reached on a fielder's choice to third base that failed to pick off Fry at second, Williams would score on a single by freshman Kylie Wesbrooks for the 3-2 score.

Senior Ashley Lutz (3-3) got the start inside the circle for Southern and recorded the complete game win allowing two runs, both earned, on four hits with seven strike outs.

Game Two
In game two the Lions struck first in the bottom of the opening frame as Hester led off with a four pitch walk and stole second and third and scored on a fielding error by the McKendree left fielder. That would be all Southern could muster against Holly Magre as she limited the Lions to just two hits on the night. McKendree's offensive burst came in the fourth on a three run home run by Jamie Doggendorff.

Sophomore Kali' Hodson (3-3) suffered the loss going 3.1 innings allowing five runs, all earned, on six hits with one strike out. Freshman Taurean Guzman pitched 3.2 innings of relief allowing one run, earned, on four hits with one strike out.

On The Day
Sophomore Abi Corbett led the way for the Lions' offense going 2-for-5 (.400) with two stolen bases. Hester finished the day with four swipes giving her 17 for the season and 85 for her career. The career record for Southern is 98 held by Erin Turner (1998-2001).

Up Next
The Lions will close out the 2016 Teri Mathis Zenner Memorial Tournament Sunday morning as they play Rockhurst at 10 am followed by Drury at noon at the Joplin Athletic Complex.