EDMOND, Okla. – An early doubles point and a pair of three-set wins carried Northeastern State past Central Oklahoma 4-3 Friday in the MIAA Tournament opening round at Edmond Center Court. 

The RiverHawks battled back, needing wins on its final two courts after the Bronchos took a 3-2 lead.  Emilia Cosatto took the top singles flight in three sets and battled back from a 2-0 deficit in the final set by winning the next six games to even the match at 3-3.

Sandra Mari Marti was the last remaining player for NSU on the court and split her first two sets 6-4 and 2-6.  The freshman never trailed in the third set and won three of the last four games to clinch the postseason win. 

"What an effort from the team today," said head coach Tim McLane.  "It was an unreal battle; both teams played their tails off. 

Cosatto and Alisha Moldakhmetova were the doubles point clincher for the RiverHawks in the top flight.  The pair downed the No. 4 ranked UCO duo for the second time this season, winning the final two games for a 7-5 win. 

Northeastern State moves to 11-7 on the year and will advance to the MIAA Semifinals for the first time since 2018.  They will face top-seed Northwest Missouri at 10 a.m.