The Northwest Missouri State softball team solidified its spot in the top eight in the conference after sweeping Missouri Southern on Saturday afternoon in Joplin, Mo.

The Bearcats used 14 hits to rally past the Lions in game one, 9-2, and followed that performance with a 5-0 victory in the nightcap.

Northwest is now 19-19 this season and 12-8 in the MIAA, while Missouri Southern fell to 11-31 and 4-14 in the conference.

In game one, Sarah Baldwin threw a complete game for the Bearcats, giving up two runs on seven hits while striking out four Lions.

Cassidy Lee finished 4-for-5 with three RBI and one run scored.

Stephanie Mark added a single and a double, driving in two runs while scoring one of her own.  Jessica Rawie reached base in three of her four plate appearances, coming in to score twice, and Torri Blythe scored two runs on a pair of singles.

In game two, Kendle Schieber threw her third complete game shutout, giving up just four hits while striking out seven. The junior never allowed multiple base runners and only one runner reached second base. At the plate, Schieber crushed her fourth home run of the season, driving in two runs while scoring two of her own.

Abigail Gilson slapped a pair of singles and scored a run, Torri Blythe drove in a pair of runs and Baylee Scarbrough scored a run after reaching on a single.

Northwest Missouri State will return home to host Truman State in a midweek non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday, April 14. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

— Northwest Sports Information —