EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Lindenwood softball (23-22, 14-11 OVC) fell in game one against Ohio Valley Conference opponent Southern Indiana (15-23, 12-11 OVC) on Saturday by a final score of 3-2. The Lions now drop to 14-11 in conference play as they look to lock up a top-four seed for the OVC Championships next week.

KEY STATS
Tori Hatton: 2-3, HR, 2 RBI, R
Madisen Noll: 1-2, BB
Ryleigh Owens: L (11-8), 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K
Avery Wapp: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 5 K

Lindenwood was held to just three hits hits on the afternoon including two by Hatton. Southern Indiana's starting pitcher and OVC leader in strikeouts Josie Newman tossed a 7.0 inning complete game for the Screaming Eagles allowing one earned run on three hits while striking out 10 Lions.

Hatton started the game off right with a solo home run to left field putting the Lions ahead 1-0. She leads the team with seven home runs in 2025. Lindenwood starting pitcher Owens got out of a jam in the first inning putting up a zero to maintain the Lions' lead.

USI scored all three of their runs in the third inning off of Owens. After a walk and a single by Southern Indiana, USI tied the game after an error by Noll at shortstop. Jordan Mackey then doubled for the Screaming Eagles bringing home the final two runs putting USI ahead 3-1.

Hatton brought home her second RBI of the day in the fifth inning scoring Theresa Snaidauf from second. The Lions would strand pinch runner Lucy Pratt at second. Wapp pitched the final two innings for the Lions punching out five Screaming Eagles including four straight to end the game. Newman closed out Saturday's game with three straight out as USI took game one.

Sunday will see the conclusion of the 2025 regular season with a double header starting at 12:00 p.m. CT. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.