Southern Illinois University Edwardsville softball team defeated St. Joseph's College 7-4, but fell to McKendree 5-4 on Saturday at the Cougar Tournament .
         SIUE is now 2-4 on the season.
         In the win over the Pumas the Cougars offense got rolling early scoring three runs in the first two innings. SIUE scored one in the fourth, one in the six, and two in the seventh to gain a 7-2 lead.
         That was more than enough for junior pitcher Alicia DeShasier, who picked up her first win of the year. DeShasier went seven innings giving up four runs on five hits, while striking out five.
         Shanna Waldo went 2 for 3 with three runs scored. Holly Neuerburg and DeShasier each went 2 for 5 with Neuerberg collecting two RBIs.
         In the night cap the Bearcats used the long ball to outlast the Cougars. Amy Mauer gave McKendree the lead with a 2-run homerun in the first inning. After SIUE made it a 2-1 game in the third inning a 3-run homerun by Courtney Aldridge gave the Bearcats the lead for good.
         In the bottom of the fifth, Amy Rogers went deep for her second home run of the season to make a 5-4 game, but the Cougars never scored after that.
         Freshman Linsey Laas took the loss she falls to 1-1 on the year. Laas pitched seven innings giving up five runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.
         Mauer picked up the win for the Bearcats.
         The Cougars will be back in action tomorrow against Illinois-Springfield at noon at Cougar Field.
                 -siue-