TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- A seven-run second inning proved too much to overcome as Northeastern State fell to Southeastern Oklahoma State, 9-6, on Saturday evening in Tahlequah.
The RiverHawks (7-6) answered an early deficit and rallied late, but could not fully recover after the Savage Storm plated seven runs in the second inning, aided by three Northeastern State errors.
Southeastern Oklahoma (5-7) took a 1-0 lead in the first inning before NSU quickly answered.
Mia Sarwinski drew a walk, stole second, and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt before scoring on
Korynn Tindel's RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.
The game turned in the second when the Savage Storm sent 12 batters to the plate. Southeastern Oklahoma scored seven runs on five hits, capitalizing on defensive miscues to build an 8-1 advantage.
NSU chipped away beginning in the fourth inning.
Madison Nance doubled home
Ashlynn Turner to cut the deficit to 8-2.
The RiverHawks made their biggest push in the sixth. Tindel reached on a walk before
Annsleigh Morris delivered a two-run home run to pull NSU within 9-4. Later in the inning,
Peyton Watson doubled to score Turner, and Watson eventually came home on a wild pitch to trim the margin to 9-6.
Northeastern State collected six hits in the contest. Morris led the way with a home run and two RBI, while Nance and Watson each drove in a run. Tindel added an RBI single in the first inning.
Cameron Kimball (0-1) took the loss, allowing nine runs — four earned — on 11 hits over 5 1/3 innings.
Jensyn Elder tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief.
Southeastern Oklahoma's Emily Simmons earned the win after striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings.
