Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern softball team fell to Washburn University in both games of the double header 4-2, 4-0 to begin MIAA play inside Pat Lipira Softball Complex Friday afternoon.
 
Game 1
The Lions (8-13, 0-2 MIAA) led the scoring off with a single through the right side by shortstop Angel Badalamenti to allow right fielder Abi Corbett to round third and come home to put Southern up 1-0 to complete the first.
 
Washburn (15-6, 3-1 MIAA) went scoreless in the second, but the bats were awakened as Savannah Moore doubled down the right-field line to plate two RBIs in the third and then tacked on another run in the fourth on a solo homerun.
 
Corbett reached base on a fielder's choice and stole second to give the Lions a runner in scoring position. It paid dividends as Lexi Ferrari placed the ball through the right side, allowing Corbett to score her second run of the day and bring Southern within one run. Then after both teams prevented the other from recording a run, the Ichabods registered an insurance run on an error to take a two-run victory in game one.
 
Freshman pitcher Abby Atkin threw a complete game, accumulating one earned run on seven hits, while striking out four. First baseman Erika Lutgen hit two singles in three appearances to lead the team at bat.
 
Game 2
 In game two, the Ichobads out of the gate went up 3-0 in the first after a two-RBI single and a score on a fielder's choice. They would add another run in the fifth on a sacrifice bunt attempt to come out with a 4-0 win.
 
Freshman pitcher Natalie Hamm matched Atkin with a complete game to go along with seven strikeouts and not allowing a single earned run on the day. Six Southern Lions registered a hit, including Ferrari who doubled in the bottom of the first. 
 
 
Next Up
MSSU looks forward to tomorrow as it welcomes the Emporia State Hornets for the second conference double header of the weekend inside the Pat Lipira Softball Complex, beginning at noon.