ITTA BENA-The Delta State University softball team fell to 1-9 in its last ten contests, after falling 6-2 at the Mississippi Valley State Softball Complex on Thursday.

Valley (19-22) jumped on top of DSU starter Brittany Gonzales 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning when Angelia Jones doubled to left field with two outs to score Angelica Wade.

DSU (25-23) trailed 3-0 going to the top of the third, but responded with two runs in the frame. Kim Hensley was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Chelsea Carr drove in her career best 16th run of the season. Carr's RBI hit to left field made the score 3-2.

That would be as close as the Lady Statesmen could get. Devilettes starter Lisa Jansen was lifted in the third, and was replaced by Kimberly Spivey.

With the score at 4-2 in the bottom of the sixth, Valley homered their way to a pair of insurance runs with back-to-back home runs by Ta'Niya Wallace and Jasmine Wilson.

Carr led the way at the plate for the Lady Statesmen with a 2-for-3 performance. Ashley Hobbs, Wade and Wallace each had two hits for MVSU.

Gonzales (9-5) took the loss. The right hander allowed six runs, five earned, on eight hits, with two strikeouts and no walks. Kate Moreland pitched three outs of one hit relief in the bottom of the sixth.

 Jansen (12-10) got the win for MVSU. Jansen worked 3.1 innings, and allowed two runs on three hits. Spivey allowed three hits in 3.2 innings of relief.

The Lady Statesmen will battle for their postseason lives beginning on Saturday, as they will travel to Russellville, Ark., to take on Arkansas Tech.

One game currently separates the two teams. The Lady Statesmen will clinch a spot in the Gulf South Conference Tournament with a four game sweep over the Golden Suns.

The first pitch of Saturday's doubleheader is set for 2 p.m.