KEARNEY, Neb. - The Lincoln softball team returned to MIAA play on Saturday (March 19), dropping a road twinbill to Nebraska-Kearney. Lincoln fell in the first contest, 10-2, and the second, 10-0.

The Blue Tigers struck first in the opener, with Sarah Westhoff plating Hope McLeod in the top of the first on a sacrifice fly. McLeod had initially reached on an error, but arrived on third base courtesy a double from Megan Heimbaugh.

The Lopers came back in the bottom half of the inning, using a pair of homeruns to bring in three scores. In the second, Jessica Wolken and Avery Myers led the frame off with singles, and Heimbaugh later loaded the bases after getting hit with a pitch. UNK managed to force a strikeout to preserve its 3-1 lead.

Nebraska-Kearney added to its lead with two more scores in the bottom of the second, and took a 9-1 advantage before Lincoln got back on the board in the top of the fourth. Myers hit a double and took third on a ground out from Kiley Kerr. A fielding error later allowed Myers to score.

A wild pitch later in the game allowed UNK to take a 10-2 lead, bringing Lincoln back up to bat in the fifth with one final opportunity. A dropped fly allowed Westhoff to reach, and a base hit from Spencer Silva gave LU a pair of base runners. A double play, however, ended the game.

Lauren Stamp and Tori Nienhueser each had three putouts apiece while Silva was next with two. Macie Kinsey had two assists while Nienhueser, Silva and Wolken each tallied one apiece.

In the second game, UNK opened the contest with a three-run first inning before plating seven runs on six hits in the bottom of the third. Lincoln (2-25, 1-9 MIAA) had a couple opportunities to score, including in the second, when a base hit by Myers helped LU place runners on second and third. The Blue Tigers also had two base runners in the fourth as Wolken and Silva were each issued walks. In the end, however, Nebraska-Kearney (12-16, 5-7 MIAA) managed to preserve its shutout.

Kinsey led the Blue Tiger defense with seven putouts, and Heimbaugh finished with two. Wolken provided a team-high four assists. Madison Ragar started in the circle and struck out two Loper batters.

The Blue Tigers will remain on the road on Sunday (March 20) to play Fort Hays State in a 1:00 p.m. CDT double-header.