CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – SIUE softball and Southeast Missouri split a doubleheader Saturday with the Cougars taking game one 7-2 and the Redhawks winning the nightcap 2-1.

SIUE, off to its best-ever start in Ohio Valley Conference play, is now 8-1 in league action and 17-11 overall. The Cougars, winners of two out of three games in the series, are in first place in the OVC. SEMO is 13-11 overall and 6-3 in the OVC.

Emma Henderson and Piper Montgomery blasted home runs for the Cougars in game one of Saturday's doubleheader. Emma Henderson hit her team-leading seventh home run of the season in the first inning. Montgomery connected on her second of the season in the third inning.

Avery Arwood recorded a complete-game victory and improved to 6-5. She scattered nine hits and walked two.

In game two, SEMO hurler Delaney Kell held SIUE to four hits to halt SIUE's winning streak at six games.

Emma Henderson's RBI single in the first inning that scored Kaylynn Salyars was the only offense for the Cougars.

McKayla Anderson pitched four innings and took the loss. She is 3-4 for the season.

Next up for the Cougars is a 5 p.m. contest Wednesday at Saint Louis. SIUE and Lindenwood are scheduled for a three-game series next weekend at Cougar Field in Edwardsville.