SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Tori Nienhueser had two hits, including a homerun, and Macie Kinsey allowed just one run in the circle as the Lincoln softball team beat Drury, 3-1, on Wednesday (March 2). The game came in the night cap of a double-header, with the Panthers winning the first game, 5-2.

Nienhueser hit a solo homerun in the top of the first inning to give Lincoln an early lead. Lauren Stamp was walked in the next at-bat, and later took third on a base hit from Avery Myers. Spencer Silva then drove in Stamp on a single into left field to put the Blue Tigers ahead, 2-0, before Drury's offense took the field.

Hope McLeod hit a double in the second frame and was advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt laid down by Megan Heimbaugh. Nienhueser then tallied her second hit of the day, this one a single through the middle, to plate McLeod for a 3-0 lead. From that point forward, the Blue Tigers played well defensively, allowing only three hits with three 1-2-3 innings for Drury.

The Panthers avoided the shutout with an RBI double in the bottom of the third, but never managed to get a potential tying run on base during a complete-game effort from Kinsey. Kinsey notched a strikeout and gave up just four hits with no walks.

Silva finished with two hits on the afternoon while Sarah Westhoff and Jessica Wolken had one each. Stamp recorded a team-best 14 putouts while Nienhueser tallied five assists. Silva finished with four assists and Wolken was responsible for three.

In the earlier game, Drury (6-8) built an early three-run lead with two scores in the third inning following one in the second. The Panthers kept Lincoln (1-12) off the board through the first six innings, ultimately using a two-run homer in the fifth to take a 5-0 advantage.

A base hit by Silva got the offense started in the seventh, and Kinsey hit a pitch over the right centerfield wall to pull Lincoln to within three. The next two batters were put out, however, allowing Drury to hold on for the win.

Kinsey had two hits in the contest while McLeod, Heimbaugh and Nienhueser finished with one apiece. Stamp again was LU's defensive leader with 11 putouts while Nienhueser and Silva each recorded four assists. Wolken added three putouts and three assists while Myers turned two assists.

The Blue Tigers will play at home for the first time in 2016 on Friday (March 4), as Lincoln opens MIAA play by hosting Washburn at Duensing Field for a double-header. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CST.