EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE softball's offense ignited for four runs in the bottom of the sixth of game two Friday, but the Cougars dropped a pair of contests at Cougar Field.

Southeast Missouri topped the Cougars 9-1 in six innings in game one and 7-4 in the nightcap.

The Cougars dropped to 7-7 in the Ohio Valley Conference and 14-22 overall. The Redhawks improved to 9-5 in the OVC and 12-20 overall.

SEMO's offense jumped out strong in game one with four runs in the first inning, including a home run by Gracie Luna. That's all the Redhawks needed in game one for pitcher Willow Van Haren, who improved to 3-6.

SIUE scored its lone run in game one on a wild pitch as Aidyn Barrera scored from third.

In game two, SEMO rallied for five runs in the first two innings.

It wasn't until the sixth that SIUE came within striking distance with a four-run rally. Juztyne Torres scored on a sacrifice fly on a heads-up play that was a foul ball down the left field line.

Kaylin Fahy added an RBI single to right field that brough home Raegan Duncan. Gretchen Trello then pinch hit for a two-RBI single to center field, pushing Ashley Duran and Fahy home.

Summer Branch was the pitcher of record and improved to 2-1. Maddie Carney tossed the final four outs for SEMO and picked up her second save. SIUE starter Mia Volpert took the loss.

Saturday's OVC finale between SIUE and SEMO is scheduled for a 12 p.m. start.