Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Softball team (16-5, 0-0 MIAA) is set to host back-to-back conference-opening doubleheaders against Lincoln at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 9 and against Central Missouri at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 10 at Pat Lipira Softball Complex.

March 9

Game One:
Teams: Missouri Southern vs Lincoln
First Pitch: 2:00 PM
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Pat Lipira Softball Complex

Game Two:
Teams: Missouri Southern vs Lincoln
First Pitch: 4:00 PM
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Pat Lipira Softball Complex

March 10

Game One:
Teams: Missouri Southern vs Central Missouri
First Pitch: 1:00 PM
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Pat Lipira Softball Complex

Game Two:
Teams: Missouri Southern vs Central Missouri
First Pitch: 3:00 PM
Location: Joplin, Mo.
Site: Pat Lipira Softball Complex

Media Coverage
Live Video/Stats - mssulions.com/sports/softball/schedule
Lions on Facebook:  facebook.com/mososoftball
Lions on Twitter: @mssusoftball; @mososports
Lions on Instagram: @moso_softball

Scouting the Lions
The Missouri Southern softball program is off to a 16-5 start to their season. Previously, the Lions traveled to Drury where they split a doubleheader with the Panthers, losing game one, 8-0 (5 inn.), but winning game two, 14-5. Previous to the Panthers, the Lions hosted two home-opening doubleheaders against Truman State (W, 12-4 in 5 inn. and 14-1 in 5 inn.) and Delta State which ended in two complete wins, 5-0 and 11-0 (5 inn.).

Kylee Jacks leads the Lions in batting average with a .368. The Lions hit and run leader is also Jacks who has 21 hits and 23 runs for the Lions. On the mound, Kiki Pickens has thrown the most innings with 51.2 and has a 2.30 ERA and has 55 strikeouts.

Scouting the Blue Tigers
The Blue Tigers of Lincoln University have had a 7-7 start to their season. Previously, the Blue  Tigers hosted Christian Brothers in a non-conference doubleheader which they split, winning game one, 3-2, but dropping game two, 4-2. The Blue Tigers traveled to Southwest Baptist prior to hosting Christian Brothers and went 2-0 with a 8-6 win in game one and a 6-1 win in game two.

Maris Ollison leads the Blue Tigers in batting average with a .378. Abbi Conrad is the Blue Tigers current hit and run leader with 18 hits and 16 runs. On the mound, Paige Rademann has thrown the most innings with 29.1 and has a 3.34 ERA and has eight strikeouts.

Scouting the Jennies
The Jennies of Central Missouri are off to a 6-7 start to their season. Previously, the Jennies traveled to William Jewell for a non-conference doubleheader where they lost both games, 2-0 and 4-3. Prior to William Jewell, the Jennies went 3-1 at the Washburn Invitational with wins over Minot State, 4-3 (8 inn.), Wayne State, 7-5, St. Cloud State, 7-2, but took a loss to Minnesota State, 5-0.

Taylor Thompson leads the Jennies in batting average with a .317. Thompson is also the Jennies current hit leader with 13 hits and tied for run leader with seven. On the mound, Brooke Weimer has thrown the most innings with 28.2 and has a 2.20 ERA and has 27 strikeouts.