TAHLEQUAH— Northeastern State softball hosts Arkansas Tech in non-conference action at RiverHawks Park on Tuesday before traveling for doubleheaders against Newman and Central Oklahoma in continued MIAA play.
The RiverHawks (9-17, 3-5 MIAA) enter the week with wins in three of their last four, splitting with Missouri Western in St. Joseph, Mo. on Friday before sweeping Northwest Missouri on Saturday in Maryville, Mo.
Key Players to Watch:
- Lauryn Heinle earned five hits in Saturday's sweep of the Bearcats, including two doubles. Heinle also logged a two-hit game with a run batted in against Augustana in Wednesday's matchup against the Vikings. The freshman enters the week with a .368 batting average across 16 appearances and 15 starts, in addition to an on-base percentage of .429.
- Korynn Tindel added three hits in Saturday's game two victory over Northwest Missouri, marking her fourth multi-hit performance in the span of eight days. Tindel is third on the team in base hits (18) and also paces the RiverHawks in stolen bases (seven).
- Gracie Turner has taken the circle in consecutive wins, while her last four starts have lasted at least six innings. Turner has been involved in the decision in six contests, being credited with a team-high four wins.
Tuesday's meeting with ATU marks the second date this season against the Golden Suns. The RiverHawks were previously swept in a doubleheader on Feb. 16, recording only three base hits and being held off the scoreboard across two games. The Golden Suns enter the week at 14-15 overall with ten victories on away and neutral ground this season. The RiverHawks have lost ten straight in the all-time series to ATU, searching for their first win against the Golden Suns since Mar. 13, 2013.
Newman sits at the bottom of the MIAA standings with a 4-20 overall record and 0-4 in league play. The Jets have lost 11 straight and pursue their first victory since Feb. 24. The RiverHawks lead the all-time series against NU, 15-2.
Central Oklahoma hosts Rogers State on Friday in Edmond before battling NSU on Saturday. The Bronchos enter the week at 21-4 overall and have won three of their first four MIAA contests. UCO is second in the MIAA in batting average (.335) and home runs (24), while the pitching staff is third in ERA (2.26) and have walked the fewest batters in the association (34). The RiverHawks have won 33 games in the all-time series against UCO, including 15 on the road.
