GULF SHORES, Ala. – Northeastern State made quick work of Delta State on Friday afternoon, cruising to an 8-0 victory in six innings via the run rule at the Gulf Shores Invitational.

The RiverHawks (2-0) rode a lights-out performance from starter Jensyn Elder, who scattered three hits over 4.2 shutout innings, and got a clean finish from reliever Cameron Kimball to secure the mercy-rule win. It was
Northeastern State's second straight dominant showing to start the season under new head coach Cassidy Bowen.

Offensively, NSU turned up the pressure early with a three-run second inning, punctuated by a two-run single from Mattison Hamilton. The junior shortstop finished with three RBI, while Mia Sarwinski crossed the plate three times and drove in two of her own. Korynn Tindel doubled in a run during the sixth to help trigger the early ending.

But it wasn't just the bats doing damage—NSU's baserunning was relentless. The RiverHawks swiped seven bases, with catcher Emily Carpenter stealing three bags, including a steal of home to make it 6-0. Carpenter also went 2-for-2 at the plate and was hit by a pitch, causing problems for Delta State at every turn.

Delta State (0-2) was held to just three hits and failed to mount any serious scoring threat. Four different pitchers saw action, but none could slow down the RiverHawks' attack.

With a 16-5 scoring margin across two games, Northeastern State is off to a fiery start to 2026.

Due to the weather, no games will be played on Saturday.  The RiverHawks close out their time on the Gulf Coast with a doubleheader on Sunday.