The Missouri Southern softball team jumped out in front early in game one of a double-header against Northeastern State, but a late rally from the Lady Riverhawks in game two led to a split with Tahlequah.

Southern won game one 10-4, but lost the nightcap, 6-2.

Southern (3-5) scored three runs in the second and seven over the final four innings to take out NSU (1-10) in game one of the double-dip.

Junior Kelli Bax went 2-2 with three RBIs, two runs and two walks in the game, including a double. Sophomore Trish Washburn went 2-3 with three RBIs and a run scored, while freshman Brooke Hurley went 3-5 with two RBIs and a run. Senior Andrea Childs drove in two and scored twice, while Natalie Nelson scored two, as well.

Junior Whitney Clute improved to 3-0 on the season with six innings, scattering six hits and allowing just three earned runs.

The big hit in the second came off the bat of Childs who doubled down the right field line to score senior Lauryn Berger and Washburn. Childs then scored on an RBI single from Bax.

Hurley picked up a two-RBI single in the fourth, while Bax added a two-RBI double in the fifth. Washburn added an RBI single in the sixth and a two-RBI single in the seventh.

In game two, the Lions tied the game at two after RBI singles from Nelson and Bax in the second, but NSU scored three runs in the fourth and one in the sixth to take the game.

Berger went 2-2 with a run in the game, while Bax was 2-3 with an RBI.

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow when they take on East Central (Okla.) and Arkansas-Monticello. They face off with UAM again on Sunday in a double-header. All games will be played in Bentonville, Ark.