Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern softball program battled mother nature and #21 Minnesota State today inside the Pat Lipira Softball Complex with the Mavericks winning game one 7-0 before Mother Nature took game two from both teams in the bottom of the third inning.
 
The Lions (15-12, 3-1 MIAA) faced off with #21 Minnesota State (16-6) and one of the better pitchers in Division II in Mackenzie Ward. Minnesota State picked up the first run of the game with a solo home run and added a second in the following inning with a sacrifice fly. 
 
The Mavericks hit their second home run of the game this time a two run shot to make it 4-0 in the third inning, the Lions got on base with a lead off walk by Kristen Wade before Sidnie Hurst reached on a fielders choice and later stole second before Yazmin Vargas drew a walk to put runners on first and second but were not able to capitalize. 
 
In the fifth inning Minnesota State picked up their fifth run of the game and scored two in the seventh to secure the 7-0 win.
 
For the Lions Ashlynn Williams went 2-for-3 and Leighton Withers had the other hit in the game while Yazmin Vargas drew two walks. Up next for Southern is a road week that begins with Northeastern State on Friday with first pitch happening at 2:00pm at the RiverHawks Park in Tahlequah, Okla.