The Missouri Valley College softball team was hoping a home twinbill against Heart of America Conference cellar-dweller Baker would mean a boost in the standings, but could only manage a split Tuesday.

The Lady Vikings came back from a five-run deficit to win the opener, 10-7, but couldn't keep up in the nightcap, a 6-1 loss.

A two-run double by sophomore Mariann Dugan help stake the Lady Wildcats to a 6-1 lead in the second inning, but junior Alana Bentz didn't allow another earned run to allow Valley to catch up.

The Lady Vikings banged out five hits, four before the first out was recorded, during a four-run fourth and pulled ahead with two runs in the fifth -- thanks to a pair of Baker errors. Junior Esperanza Reyes' two-run single in the sixth gave Valley a cushion.

The Lady Wildcats extended their 1-0 lead with five runs in the fifth inning of the getaway game, freshman Annie Hannon doubling in a run and scoring on junior Alexis Pryor's single.

Freshman Amanda Phelps went the distance for Baker (3-20, 2-12 HAAC), yielding only five hits.

The Lady Vikings (10-18, 2-7) committed 10 errors for six unearned runs during the two games. They will host Avila for a make-up date Thursday.