Softball splits double-header against Northwestern Oklahoma St. - KOAM TV 7

MSSU Softball splits double-header against Northwestern Oklahoma St.

JOPLIN - Behind three consecutive singles, the Missouri Southern Lions softball team rallied to split a non-conference double-header this afternoon at Lea Kungle Field defeating Northwestern Oklahoma State 5-3 in the second game after falling to the Rangers 1-0 in the first game.

Falling victim to a solo home run in the top of the seventh, the Lions' were held to three hits by the Ranger's (10-8) Allora Miller in the first game of the afternoon.

The Lions (14-10) were able to find their offense in the second game scoring five runs on eight hits. Centerfielder Alana Hester went 3-for-4 with two RBI's including the game-winner to give the Lions a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the sixth. Five other Lions, Brooke Swadley, Haley Pypes, Michala Wood, Brooklyn Farrell and Chloe Brown each collected hits on the afternoon.

Scoring runs in the bottom of the first and second innings, the Lions would take a 2-1 lead early, but the Rangers would score a pair of unearned runs in the top of the sixth to take a 3-2 lead. The Lions would respond in the bottom of the inning scoring three runs with two outs to get the win.

With pinch-hitter Sara Stearns and Farrell at first and second base, Brown would single to left field plating Farrell to knot up the game at three and advance Stearns to third. Hester would follow with a drive up the middle scoring Stearns for the winning run and moving Brown to second. Swadley would follow with the third consecutive single to add an insurance run.

Haley Pypes would pick up her fifth win of the year in the second game throwing seven innings allowing only three hits, three runs, only one earned, while stiking out six.

The Lions wrap up their homestand Tuesday afternoon when they host a double-header against 23rd-ranked Winona State (13-3) at 3 p.m. at Lea Kungle Field.