CLINTON, Iowa - Liz Hill belted a two-run homer and reigning Midwest Collegiate Conference Pitcher of the Week Becca Smith hurled a two-hit complete-game shutout to back Mt. Mercy College in a 3-0 shutout against the Ashford University softball team on Monday.

Weather forced officials to call game two, as lightning in the area caused a pair of delays. Both teams were called off the field in the bottom of the second inning of game one for a 30-minute break before resuming play.

The Saints lost their 10th straight, falling to 2-8 in league play at the hands of the MCC-leading Mustangs, who received a handful of votes in the latest NAIA Top-25 Poll. Mt. Mercy remains unbeaten in conference play at 7-0.

Sophomore Nikki Woodard of Carbon Cliff, Ill., was victimized by a two-base throwing error in the first inning that brought leadoff hitter Sheena Canady around to score after she stole second

Woodard would go on to work back-to-back scoreless innings before being relieved by junior Kendra Roth of Salem, S.D.

But Roth was greeted rudely by a double and Hill's line drive longball on just three pitches upon entry. Hill found the gap in left-center field and scored Brianna Williams in the fifth inning.

Woodard re-entered in the seventh on the mound.

Ashford couldn't get the bats going against Smith, who fanned nine in seven innings of work, while walking none. Sophomore Jessica Martin of Arlington Heights, hit a clean single through the left side of the infield and senior Nichole Salazar of Minooka, Ill., reached on a bunt single.

Smith extinguished the Saints' final chance by retiring the side in order in the bottom of the seventh. She won the weekly league honor earlier today following a win, save and a game-winning home run against William Penn University.

The Saints are on the road tomorrow for an afternoon doubleheader against Clarke College in Dubuque. The first game is set to begin at 3 p.m.