HUNTINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University and Huntington (Ind.) University battled to a tightly contested softball doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon in Huntington, Indiana.

Indiana Wesleyan (27-7, 5-1 MCC) earned a 3-2 victory in the opener but was unable to keep their unbeaten conference record intact as Huntington won game two by a 5-4 outcome in nine innings.

Abbie Forman did not allow an earned run in the first game in picking up the victory. She allowed two unearned runs on five hits in seven inning of work. She walked two and struck out nine Foresters in the win.

The Wildcats scored first with a run in the third inning when leftfielder Kelsey Decker stole home on a double steal. IWU would cushion their lead in the sixth inning with a pair of runs for a 3-0 lead. Shortstop Emily Sell ripped a two-out, two-run double for the big hit in the inning.

Those two runs were crucial as Huntington plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth. A two out error led to both Huntington runs, but Forman was able to get out of the jam with an inning ending pop out to first base with two runners on as Indiana Wesleyan clung to a 3-2 lead.

Forman had one last Forester rally to end in the seventh. With two out and two on, Forman got a swinging strike three to end the game.

First baseman Jessica Hull, Emily Sell, Kelsey Decker, and second baseman Kristina Ross accounted for the only four Indiana Wesleyan hits in the game.

In game two, Huntington (15-7, 3-1 MCC) quickly got on top with two runs in the first. Indiana Wesleyan would tie the game 2-2 in the third inning. Catcher Katie Smith hit a sac fly and Jessica Hull contributed an RBI single to tie the score.

Indiana Wesleyan took their first lead of game two in the fifth with a pair of two out runs. Katie Smith hit an RBI single to right field and designated player Dana Runyan ripped a double for an RBI and a 4-2 Indiana Wesleyan lead.

The advantage lasted until the sixth inning when the Foresters tied the score 4-4 courtesy of two hits and three Wildcat errors.

The game went to extra innings and Huntington finally won in the ninth. Abbie Forman was able to get the first two batters in the inning but three straight hits earned the win for Huntington 5-4.

Forman allowed four earned runs over 8.2 innings. She gave up 10 hits and three walks while striking out five.

Dana Runyan and Jessica Hull each earned two hits and one RBI in the loss as Indiana Wesleyan finished with 10 hits in the game. Katie Smith was 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBI.

Indiana Wesleyan will return to Wildcat Field for their next doubleheader at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 5 against Spring Arbor (Mich.) University.