ARKADELPHIA, Ark.-With a two game doubleheader sweep of the Henderson State Lady Reddies, the Delta State University softball team moved into sole possession of second place in the Gulf South Conference West Division.

The Lady Statesmen (24-15, 10-8) used two dominant pitching performances to record 3-0 and 7-1 victories at Dee White Field on Thursday.

Senior Edie Oliver shut down the Lady Reddie bats in the first game, in what was a complete game two hit shutout.

Henderson State (18-17, 7-7) did not reach base until Oliver issued a walk in the third inning, and did not record a hit until Amber Klug had a double in the fourth inning. Klug had both hits for HSU.

The Lady Statesmen plated the first run of the game in the second inning, with an RBI groundout by Crista Richard.

A double by Paige Silverthorn in the top of the sixth scored Chelsea Carr to make the score 2-0. Brittany Eikner's single that scored Silverthorn completed the scoring at 3-0.

Oliver (11-9) earned her sixth straight win in the circle with the complete game shutout. The senior gave up two hits, and struck out three.

Eikner, Carr and Kim Hensley all had two hits each in the win.

The Lady Statesmen rode their momentum following the first game win into game two.

Richard led off the game with a base hit, and scored from second on a Brooke Allgood base hit to right field.

Amber Wilburn drove in Ashley Ray with a double, to score HSU'S first and only run of the two games.

Starting pitchers Brittany Gonzales and Brittany Benedict held opposing hitters scoreless until the fifth inning.

The Lady Statesmen made the score 2-1 in the fifth inning, when Richard drove in Taylor Hughes with a base hit.

DSU needed insurance runs in the top of the seventh, and they got more than enough. The five run inning was highlighted by a three RBI double by Oliver. Allgood and Eikner also had RBI hits in the inning to make the score 7-1.

Freshman pitcher Gonzales (9-2) pitched like a seasoned veteran. She allowed one run on six hits, with four strikeouts and no walks.

Richard again led the way at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. Eikner was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI's.

The Lady Statesmen will return to action on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Dee White Field.