EMPORIA, KAN -- Jaxon Phipps belted his sixth home run of the year, but it was not enough as Northeastern State fell 8-1 to Emporia State in the opener of a crucial three game series at Glennen Field here Friday.

The RiverHawks fall to 25-19 on the year and 16-15 in conference play. This series is important because Emporia State is now 25-19 and 16-15 in conference play.  Both teams are vying for the final spots in the upcoming MIAA Conference tournament.

Phipps bomb came in the second inning and tied the game at 1-1. The RiverHawks did not do themselves any favors committing four errors that led to seven unearned runs. 

NSU starter Dustin Berrong went 5.2 innings, scattered six hits, struck out three and allowed one earned run.  Trevor Nance went the rest of the way, allowing two runs, two hits and struck out two.

Game two of the series will take place on Saturday with a 1:00 pm start.  Follow all the action live on www.goriverhawksgo.com.