GAME ONE | Northeastern State 9, Newman 8

Northeastern State's offense came alive late, powering the RiverHawks to a 9-8 victory over Newman in Friday's series opener.

The RiverHawks (10-19, 4-5 MIAA) totaled 14 hits and scored in five different innings, highlighted by a four-run sixth that proved to be the difference. Korynn Tindel led the charge at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, four stolen bases, and a double. Maddie Messenger added three hits and two RBI, including a pair of doubles, while Lauryn Heinle went 2-for-5 with two runs scored.

NSU wasted no time, plating two runs in each of the first two innings to take an early lead. After Newman (4-23, 0-5 MIAA) chipped away and tied the game at 4-4, the RiverHawks responded with four runs in the sixth inning to retake control. Charlea Cochran, Drew Hawkins, and Heinle all delivered key hits during the rally. 

Madison Heinle (4-8) started and worked four innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits. Braedyn Sheofee earned her third save, pitching the final three innings and allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out one.

Defensively, NSU committed two errors but turned in clutch plays to strand nine Newman runners on base.

GAME TWO | Newman 4, Northeastern State 2

Northeastern State couldn't hold on to an early lead, falling 4-2 to Newman in Friday's series finale at Newman Softball Field.

The RiverHawks (10-20, 4-6 MIAA) struck first, scoring a run in both the second and fourth innings. Korynn Tindel drove in one run with a single in the second, and Raegan Moore added another RBI in the fourth to give NSU a 2-1 lead.

Lauryn Heinle went 2-for-4 at the plate with a double, while Drew Hawkins chipped in two hits and scored a run. NSU totaled seven hits but left nine runners stranded.

Gracie Turner (4-4) got the start in the circle, tossing five innings and allowing four runs on eight hits. Korynn Tindel pitched the sixth inning in relief, holding the Jets scoreless and recording a strikeout.

Newman (5-23, 2-6 MIAA) capitalized in the fifth inning, plating three runs on four hits, including a two-run double that gave the Jets a 4-2 advantage.

Despite putting runners on in both the sixth and seventh innings, Northeastern State couldn't mount a late comeback as Newman's pitching staff shut the door.

The RiverHawks return to action on Saturday for a doubleheader at Central Oklahoma.