JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Newman softball team earned its first Heartland Conference win of the season, holding off the Lincoln Blue Tigers for a 3-2 win to open Saturday's doubleheader at the Lincoln Softball Field in Jefferson City, Mo. Lincoln answered with a 5-3 win in the second game to salvage the split.

All the scoring in the game took place in the second inning, and a Tracey Stefanski single to center field started it all. Following the single, Stefanski stole second to give Newman its first runner in scoring position. A Katie Traffas single allowed Stefanski to advance to third on the play, and Steph Harshberger took advantage, reaching on an infield single that allowed Stefanski to give the Jets their first run of the game. After watching Brianna Hallacy walk, Newman found itself with the bases loaded for Amy Bullerman, who singled to send Harshberger and Traffas across the plate. After two at-bats, Newman held a 3-0 lead.

The Blue Tigers started their comeback in their half of the second, tagging Newman starter Allison Thummel for two hits, and forcing a Newman error, but could only manage two runs in the inning, giving the Jets a 3-2 margin to work with.

Thummel did her part to keep the Blue Tigers off the board for the remainder of the game, scattering just three hits over the next five innings to help the Jets earn their first Heartland Conference win of the season.

Harshberger finished four-for-four at the plate for the Jets, adding a run and an RBI in the process while leading Newman offensively.

Saturday's win was the only bright spot of the weekend for the Jets. Lincoln opened the three-game series Friday night with a 9-3 win over Newman, and wrapped up the series with a 5-3 win Saturday afternoon.

After going 1-2 at Lincoln, the Jets are 2-32 overall this season, and 1-17 in Heartland Conference play. They will return to action Tuesday, travelling to Hays, Kan., for a doubleheader with the Fort Hays State Tigers. Tuesday's first pitch is slated for 5 p.m.