TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Fort Hays State jumped out to a three-goal first-half lead and held off a second-half surge from Northeastern State for a 3–2 victory Saturday afternoon at DeLoache Field.

Oliver Wright scored twice in the opening seven minutes, with assists from Joseph Street on both goals. Bastian Carlman added another for the Tigers in the 12th minute off a setup from Juan Linares to give Fort Hays State a commanding 3–0 advantage.

Northeastern State clawed back after halftime. Toby Nave netted his first goal of the season in the 55th minute, assisted by Guilherme Nakamura, who followed with a goal of his own five minutes later off a feed from Carter Adams to make it 3–2. The RiverHawks pressured late but couldn't find an equalizer.

Goalkeeper Jaron Noble made four saves in relief for NSU, keeping the RiverHawks within striking distance after entering early in the first half. Fort Hays keeper Payton Roehrich finished with two saves.

The loss drops Northeastern State to 6-5-2 overall and 3-4-0 in conference play, while Fort Hays State remains unbeaten at 11-0-2 (7-0-0 GAC/MIAA).

The RiverHawks travel next to Ouachita Baptist for a GAC/MIAA tilt on Oct. 22 at 3 p.m.