WARRENSBURG, Mo. ---  Dustin Berrong used his post season debut to make a strong statement as he struck out nine and allowed one run as the RiverHawks knocked off top seeded Central Oklahoma 4-2 in first round action at the MIAA Conference Tournament at Crane Stadium here Thursday.

Allowing three hits and a run in the opening frame, Berrong settled down striking out the final two batters of the first inning, and would allow just two more UCO hits and fanning nine before leaving in the eighth inning.

"Dustin was a stud and leader for us today, "said head coach Jake Hendrick. "He was a competitor with multiple pitches in the strike zone."

 Northeastern State erased the deficit in the fourth inning, pushing across three runs off three hits.  Doubles from Alex Massie and Blake Vandegrift,  Oscar Resendez Jr.'s single and Tristan Ridenour's sacrifice fly gave the RiverHawks a 3-1 lead.

The RiverHawks added an insurance run in the ninth inning, Vandegrift walked to lead off the frame and scored on a Jaxon Phipps double for a 4-1 advantage.

Central Oklahoma would make things interesting in the ninth.  Ben Strahm came on to close out the game.   After struggling early to find his control, Strahm settled down to record the final three outs and secure the 4-2 victory.

"We've proven the ability to beat anyone. That's what makes a tournament like this fun. It's about being as good as we can one day at a time.  We are definitely carrying some momentum with how we've played the last three times out against very good competition."

Northeastern States last three wins have come against teams ranked inside the top-25 in the nation and projected to make the NCAA Tournament.

The RiverHawks will play at 7:30 on Friday against the winner of the Pittsburg State and Nebraska-Kearney.