The Northwest Missouri State softball team dropped both games in Wednesday’s doubleheader against William Jewell in Liberty, Mo.

The Bearcats jumped out to an early lead in game one, but WJC rallied to win, 4-3, while three Northwest home runs in game two were not enough to overcome a barrage of Cardinal hits as the Bearcats lost 8-5.

Northwest Missouri State is now 9-15 on the season, while William Jewell improves to 15-8.

In game one, Stephanie Mark reached base in all four of her at bats, hitting a home run and a single while drawing two walks. The senior drove in two runs and scored another.

Torri Blythe drove her first double of the year to deep center, finishing 1-for-4 with a run scored, while Rebecca Maher smacked a pair of singles and drove in one run.

Sarah Baldwin threw six solid innings for the Bearcats, giving up three earned runs on nine hits to take the loss. The senior struck out three and did not walk a batter.

In game two, Mark crushed two more home runs and added a single at the dish.  Chantel Adams finished 4-for-4 with four singles, while Maher belted her third home run of the season, driving in two runs.

Abbie Vitosh got the start in game two, throwing 3 1/3 innings and giving up five runs on nine hits to take the loss.

Northwest returns to conference play this weekend when Lincoln comes to Maryville on Friday. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.

— Northwest Sports Information —