TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State earned a victory in their home opener by taking down St. Edward's in a 2-1 triumph Thursday night in Tahlequah.

The RiverHawks (3-1-1) were limited to just two shot attempts in the opening period, while goalkeeper Cameron McColloch was forced to make five saves against the Hilltoppers (2-1-2) through 45 minutes. 

It would be early in the second half when the offensive sparks would start to fly for NSU. Marco Cornelio connected with a goal in the 50th minute, the true freshman's first as a RiverHawk. Carl Murch would attack for his first goal of the campaign, as well, occurring inside the 57th minute.

The Hilltoppers would find a response in the 82nd minute with a goal of their own to put an end to NSU's shutout bid, but an equalizing score would not be found to secure NSU's first win in Tahlequah over St. Edward's since 2005.

McColloch would finish the night with a season-best seven saves, with the NSU defense surviving nine on-target attempts from the Hilltoppers.

Northeastern State finishes a brief homestand and non-conference play with Saturday's contest against Dallas Baptist at 6 p.m.