JOPLIN, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State softball team dropped both games of its doubleheader against No. 25 Missouri Southern in Joplin, Mo.
 
Northwest moved to 24-22 overall, 7-13 in conference play.
 
Missouri Southern improved to 33-8 overall and 18-2 in MIAA action.
 
GAME ONE
Missouri Southern posted three runs in the first inning with the first run scoring on a groundout and the next two coming from a home run to left center.
 
The Lions tallied two more runs in the third inning with a double to right center to increase their lead to 5-0.
 
Abby Nolte got the 'Cats on the board as she hit a double to left field that scored Lillie Filger.
 
After seven innings, Missouri Southern came away with the 5-1 victory.
 
Omara Love led the way for Northwest going 2-for-3 at the plate. As a team, the Bearcats outhit Missouri Southern seven to four.
 
Jadyn Streigle pitched the full game giving up five runs on four hits and tallying two strikeouts.
 
GAME TWO
Missouri Southern was able to scratch three runs across the plate in the second inning to take a 3-0 lead going into the third inning.
 
After two scoreless innings for both teams, Northwest was able to score two runs in the fifth off an Avery Anderson single that allowed Skylar Pieper to score and then Lela Bryant came home off a Lion error.
 
Heading into the sixth, the 'Cats trailed 3-2.
 
In the bottom of the sixth Missouri Southern increased its lead with another run to bring the score to 4-2.
 
Northwest responded in the top of the seventh when Madison Friest doubled to right center which brought home Pieper once again. The Bearcats couldn't manage to bring in another run and the Lions took game two, 4-3.
 
Lillie Filger and Skylar Pieper each had two hits in the contest. Madison Friest and Avery Anderson both tallied one hit.
 
Breck Dickey went 5.1 innings allowing four runs on seven hits and striking out four batters.