ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Lindenwood softball (18-19, 9-9 OVC) earned the series win over the Leathernecks of Western Illinois (10-28, 6-12) after winning the rubber match by a final score of 4-2. The Lions' offense scored at least four runs in all three games this weekend as they pick up their third conference series victory of the season.

KEY STATS
Avery Wapp: W (7-6), 6.0 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 H, 4 K
Ryleigh Owens: S (2), 1.0 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 2 BB, 1 K
Tori Hatton: 2-3, HR, 2 RBI, R, BB
Irelynn West: 2-3, R
Jolie McMinn: 1-3, 3B, RBI, BB

After a quick inning of work from Wapp to start the game, the Lions loaded the bases in the first inning but left all three runners stranded. Western Illinois scored the first run of the ball game in the top of the second after Wapp walked in a run, but the Lions responded in the next half inning as Dallis Darnell scored on a wild pitch to even the game at 1-1.

It took until the fourth inning for the Lions to break open the game as they scored three runs on four hits to take a three-run lead. After a single and stolen base by Teryn Brown, Hatton delivered her fourth home run of the season and second of the series to put the Lions ahead 3-1. McMinn then drove a ball to deep right center to bring home West to put LU ahead 4-1 entering the fifth.

Western Illinois was able to score one more run off of Wapp in the sixth, but she got out of the jam limiting the damage. Owens came into the game in the seventh picking up her second save of the season despite walking two batters. The Lions improved to 9-9 in Ohio Valley Conference play after the weekend.

Lindenwood will have a shortened week as they travel to Morehead State next weekend for a three-game series starting on Friday, April 18th at 12:00 p.m. CT. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.