TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State returns to the field this week, traveling to Bentonville for six more games in the state of Arkansas at the week's end.

The RiverHawks enter with momentum after taking three of four last week in Hot Springs and Arkadephia.

The Setup
- Northeastern State is in its first season with Rachel Rhode as the head softball coach. Rhode joined the program after Clay Davis departed NSU softball after the conclusion of the 2023 season. She brings previous experience as an assistant at Truman State (2021-22) and Bemidji State (2019-20).
- The RiverHawks enter the campaign after a 30-win result in 2023, the team's sixth straight winning season and their second 30-win effort since 2018. A 12-14 MIAA record resulted in NSU missing the league's postseason tournament for the second time in three seasons. 
- This week's games are part of a 24-game non-conference schedule. The RiverHawks begin their MIAA slate on Friday, Mar. 8 in Claremore, Okla. against Rogers State. 

Around the Diamond
- Northeastern State's efforts last week marked the second time in three seasons that the RiverHawks have claimed three of their first four games. 
- Madison Heinle started the campaign without an earned run being tagged against her in two starts last week, while striking out 13 over 17 innings and claiming three wins.
- Addy Wolfe and Allison Zanca are now on the board with homers early in the season after sending 15 and three over the wall last year, respectively. Meanwhile, Drew Hawkins hit her first of her career with a three-run shot against Henderson State last Saturday, as part of a four-RBI performance against the Reddies.
- Emily Sampson picked up where she left off from last year with a strong start at the plate last week, leading the team in four games in extra base hits with three doubles, accompanied with six RBI. 
- Elisha Stilwell joined Heinle in the starting rotation and had a stellar NSU debut against Southwestern Oklahoma last Friday, going the distance and only allowing three hits and one earned run. 

In Action This Week
Friday, Feb. 9 | vs. Harding, 11 a.m.
Friday, Feb. 9 | vs. Texas-Tyler, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 10 | vs. Winona State, 11 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 10 | vs. Truman State, 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 11 | vs. Southern Arkansas, 11 a.m.
Sunday, Feb. 11 | vs. Arkansas-Monticello, 1:30 p.m.

- The week's first three meetings reignite series against schools that have not met the RiverHawks in at least four years. NSU will face Winona State on Saturday for the first time since the RiverHawks took an 8-0 decision over the Warriors on Mar. 17, 2018, while their most recent meetings against Texas-Tyler and Harding commenced in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
- Madison Heinle will look for another great performance against Truman State after she no-hit the Bulldogs on Feb. 12, 2023. 
- A victory over Arkansas-Monticello would be their third straight against the Blossoms and also give them the regular season series sweep.

Coming Up
The RiverHawks partake in the Edmond Regional Festival from Feb. 16-18.