ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Northeastern State softball fell on the road Friday with Missouri Western taking the MIAA doubleheader 6-2 and 5-1 in St. Joseph. 

Madison Heinle scored both of NSU's runs but the RiverHawks couldn't overcome a four-run fifth inning by the Griffons in the opener.  The junior struck out four and spun 118 pitches in five innings for the RiverHawks who were limited to three hits.   Heinle scored a run in the third off a bases-loaded hit by pitch and hit a sac fly in the seventh. 

Northeastern State left eight runners on base and drew seven walks.  Korynn Tindel drew three walks and didn't record an official at-bat. 

In the nightcap, the RiverHawks' defense committed four errors as three of Missouri Western's five runs would come unearned.   Northeastern State out-hit the Griffons 8-to-7 but the RiverHawks' lone score came in the fourth off an Emily Sampson single to the outfield.  Sampson had two hits along with Raegan Edwards in the setback.  

Missouri Western (22-12, 8-6 MIAA) drew six walks, leaving 12 runners on base.

The RiverHawks (7-26, 2-14 MIAA)travel next to Northwest Missouri on Saturday for a noon MIAA doubleheader.