TAHLEQUAH – A pair of first period goals by Northeastern State and nine stops at the net by Meg Smith pushed the RiverHawks to a 2-0 win over Harding.

Friday night's contest ended up seeing a one-hour delay after Harding's team bus experienced mechanical issues. 

Despite the stoppage, Northeastern State quickly struck first in the fourth minute off of a corner kick by Jessie Lynch.  Julia Mathis picked up the mark and kicked it through the right side of the net.  Later in the first half at the 30-minute mark, the RiverHawks picked up their second goal off a corner kick that came off the foot of Sarah Rector.

A major reason for the shutout came from Smith who stopped nine shots from the box and deflected a pair from the Lady Bison (0-3) who out-shot NSU 16-to-13.  

"A 2-0 lead is still pretty scary because anything can happen and there was plenty of game left," said keeper Meg Smith.  "It helped us in the second half because we didn't get as many chances but it was really nice to have those to early goals."

Smith in 244 minutes has 21 saves for the RiverHawks leads the MIAA by six and is one of three keepers in the league to not allow a goal.

"I usually don't have to see it has much as I did tonight but when it does get back there my teammates are counting on me and I kind of have to do my part to get that shutout," said Smith on having nine saves on Friday and NSU not allowing a goal this season.

Northeastern State (3-0) had opportunities throughout the night on the corners with ten, double the amount Harding had.  The RiverHawks' total was their highest since Sept. 22, 2016 against Southwest Baptist where they had 11.

Mariah Nicolet led NSU with three shots on the Harding keeper, Mathis and Rector both had two shots on goal.

The RiverHawks will travel on the road for the first time this season and play on Sunday, Sept. 10 for a 3 p.m. start at Oucachita Baptist.