JOPLIN, Mo. -- A two-run sixth inning was not enough for Northeastern State to come back from a four-run deficit against Missouri Southern, leading to a 4-2 loss in game one of the doubleheader.

The RiverHawks (20-14, 7-6 MIAA) allowed the first four runs of the matchup to the Lions (32-5, 7-2 MIAA). MSSU's scoring occurred across four different innings. Mattison Hamilton found NSU's first major response on offense in the top of the sixth with an RBI double to score Mia Sarwinski. Peyton Watson find contact on a single to right field with two outs, sending Hamilton home in the process.

Jensyn Elder wrapped her Friday start with a scoreless frame tossed in the bottom of the sixth. NSU's lone baserunner in the seventh would reach on a walk, but MSSU would clinch the victory behind a pair of flyouts and a final strikeout.

Sarwinski led NSU's offense with two base hits in the loss. Elder received the loss from the circle, pitching the entire game and surrendering five hits and four earned runs against one strikeout and one walk.