The Northwest Missouri State softball was swept Saturday by Emporia State 7-2 and 8-0 in MIAA action from the Trusler Softball Complex.

The Bearcats fell to 11-13 on the season and 2-4 in league play while the Lady Hornets improved to 16-6 overall and 9-0 in the MIAA. It was the fourth straight loss for the Bearcats who faced the top two teams in the league back-to-back as they will continue an eight-game road trip next weekend at Pittsburg State and Missouri Southern.

Hailee Hendricks provided the first run for Northwest in game one, as her RBI single in the first inning scored Jordan Ereth. The Lady Hornets would answer in the bottom half of the first to tie the game at 1-1.

In the third inning the Bearcat pitching staff found trouble as a bases loaded walk gave the Lady Hornets a 2-1 lead. Northwest starter Jenna Creger got the next batter to fly out leaving the bases loaded. Creger scattered seven hits over five innings striking out six and walking three while taking the loss.

Northwest would tie the game again in the fifth inning when Ereth tripled to lead off the inning. Kristen Uthe picked up her second hit of the game as she singled home Ereth.

However, ESU would rally back to take the lead in the fifth inning and then added four runs for insurance in the sixth to hold on for the win.

In game two it was all Emporia State as the Lady Hornets jumped out in front with six runs in the bottom of the first inning. Paige Blythe came on in relief to pitch four innings out of the bullpen and scattering six hits.

Blythe gave up two runs in the bottom of the fifth as the run rule came into effect ending the game.

Hendricks added two more hits in game two while Ereth went 3-for- 3 with two runs scored in game one.

Northwest returns to the field Friday as they wrap up their road swing with a double header at Pittsburg State on Saturday and a twin bill on Sunday at Missouri Southern.

— NWMSU Sports Information —