CLEVELAND-The Delta State University Lady Statesmen softball team split a pair of games on Saturday at University Field.

The Lady Statesmen once again had a flair for the dramatic in both games, as they fell 2-1 to West Georgia in 8 innings, but bounced back from a 4-1 deficit in the bottom of the seventh to defeat Nova Southeastern 5-4.

The Lady Statesmen (10-4) had a strong outing from starting pitcher Edie Oliver in game one, but West Georgia scored in the top of the eighth for the win.

The Wolves (7-9) did not record a hit until the fourth inning, but Meagan Sitton would drive in the first of her two runs to tie the game at one.

UWG scored what proved to be the winning run in the first extra frame, when Sitton drove in a run with a base hit to right field.

Edie Oliver (4-3) took the loss, as she allowed one earned run on five hits. The senior pitcher struck out four and walked only one.

In game two, the Lady Statesmen once again used a solid performance from senior pitcher Kate Moreland.

The Lady Statesmen took the lead in the bottom half of the first inning, when Kim Hensley drove in Crista Richard with two outs.

The 1-0 lead would hold until the top of the sixth, when the #15 Sharks would push across their first run on a Moreland wild pitch.

The Sharks (11-5) added three runs in the top of the seventh, and appeared to be in control, but the Lady Statesmen had four base hits in the bottom of the final inning to earn the dramatic win.

Anna Wesleigh Riggs doubled with one out to start the rally, which was followed by a Crista Richard base hit.

Senior Brittany Eikner drove in Riggs, and the rally continued with a Kim Hensley base hit.

With the score at 4-3 NSU pitcher Lexi Sarradet walked Edie Oliver with the bases loaded to score Eikner.

Chelsea Carr, who was the next hitter, got the game winning RBI, when she was hit by a pitch to score Brooke Allgood.

With the 5-4 win, the Lady Statesmen defeated the only ranked opponent they have played to date.

Moreland (3-1) picked up the win, as she went the distance. The Starkville native allowed four runs on four hits with two strikeouts.

Sarradet (4-4) took the loss for the Sharks.

The Lady Statesmen will return to the diamond on Sunday Feb. 28 at 11 a.m., as they will have a rematch with Nova Southeastern.

The day will conclude with DSU versus West Georgia following the conclusion of the 11 a.m. game.