TAHLEQUAH – Emily Sampson hit a grand slam for the RiverHawks as they split a home doubleheader Saturday to Central Missouri.  Northeastern State dropped the opener 5-0 and won the nightcap 7-6.

Game one saw a mostly silent showing from the RiverHawks on offense, who were held to four base hits in the 5-0 loss to the Jennies (17-18, 6-8 MIAA). Madison Heinle started in the circle but took the credited defeat despite striking out five due to allowing four of UCM's five scores across four innings. 

Brynn Burchfield netted a multi-hit performance from the batter's box, accounting for two hits, including a double. Maddie Messenger and Allison Zanca also found a hit each. 

In the nightcap, NSU got an early run off an outfield miscue from Central Missouri in the third.  The lead would be short-lived and UCM got a leadoff homer in the following frame to pull even.  

Macie Sawney gave the lead back to the RiverHawks in the bottom of the fourth with a single to center.   However, once again the advantage was short-lived and a two-out homer by the Jennies tied the game back up at 3-3 in the fifth. 

Sampson busted the game wide open for NSU in the home half of the fifth after the RiverHawks loaded the bases to start the frame.  The senior crushed a 2-1 pitch to center for her third long ball of the year. 

UCM wasn't done and pushed the RiverHawks in the seventh scoring two on a bases-loaded walk and one more on a single.  Heinle came in as relief and recorded the final three outs for her first save of the season.  

Korynn Tindel went six innings and struck out three for her first career win in the circle.

Messenger and Sampson had two hits for NSU as they moved to 7-24 (2-12 MIAA).

The RiverHawks remain home and will host Oklahoma Baptist on Tuesday for a non-conference doubleheader at 2 p.m.