LIBERTY -- The Missouri Valley College softball team hasn't gained much ground in its effort to secure a favorable position for the Heart of America Conference Tournament, but gain it has.

The Lady Vikings are 4-3 against league foes during the past four days, posting their third straight split Wednesday by beating William Jewell -- ranked 10th in NAIA Region 5 -- in the second game of a doubleheader, 3-1, after dropping a 3-2 decision in the opener.

Valley may have gotten a sweep, but couldn't hang on to a one-run lead in the seventh inning. A two-run single by senior Lindsey Thorpe, following senior Gretchen Geest's lead-off single and an error, gave the victory to the Lady Cardinals.

After a Thorpe single gave Jewell a run in the bottom of the first inning, the Lady Vikings tied the game in the second when junior Kristine Escujuri singled. Junior Jamie Wilson followed with a two-out double, but both runners were stranded in scoring position.

The game remained even until the top of the sixth, when junior Kimberly Fuller's RBI single broke the tie.

The Lady Cardinals (26-20, 10-8 HAAC) also led first in the nightcap, junior Bethany Morelock walking to lead off the third inning and coming in on an errant two-out throw.

All of Valley's runs came in the top of the fifth, and all with two out. Wilson singled and scored on junior Lindsey Stapp's double. Fuller walked and junior Heather Sliger doubled, sending both runners home.

That was enough for junior pitcher Alana Bentz, who allowed only one hit the rest of the way for the win. Bentz gave up only four hits, the run against her was unearned and she struck out four.

The split allowed the Lady Vikings (15-21, 7-10) to move into sixth place in the league standings, with an important series coming up Saturday at MidAmerica Nazarene.

Valley is scheduled to play a non-conference date today at Park, weather permitting.