HAYS, Kan. -- Olivia Burnes finally broke through, and Northeastern State made sure one goal was all it needed.

Burnes buried a shot in the 25th minute — her first tally in nine matches — to lift the RiverHawks past Fort Hays State 1–0 on Friday night at the FHSU Soccer Stadium. The goal, assisted by Hannah Anderson, was NSU's first against the Tigers in their last four meetings.

From there, the RiverHawks' defense and goalkeeper Rebecca Partyka slammed the door shut. Partyka turned aside all eight Fort Hays State shots on goal, including a first-half penalty kick by Sydney Cotter in the 39th minute. It was one of several key moments that kept the home Tigers (3–11–1, 1–8–1 MIAA) off the board despite outshooting NSU 18–11.

Anderson, logged her third assist of the season while playing the full 90 minutes. Burnes' goal — her third of the year — proved to be the game-winner, as the RiverHawks held strong through a flurry of late Fort Hays corners and shots.

The win boosts Northeastern State to 9–6–1 overall and 4–5–1 in MIAA play, pushing the RiverHawks four points clear of Rogers State for the final conference tournament berth.

NSU can officially punch its postseason ticket with a win Sunday at Nebraska–Kearney. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.