TOPEKA, Kan. — Northeastern State used a decisive sixth-inning rally to pull away for a 4-1 victory over Washburn on Friday afternoon at Gahnstrom Field, marking the RiverHawks' first win in Topeka since 2016.

With the game tied 1-1 entering the sixth, Northeastern State broke through with three runs on four hits. After Mia Sarwinski led off the inning with a double down the left-field line, Mattison Hamilton delivered the go-ahead moment. The shortstop lined a single to center field to score Sarwinski and give the RiverHawks their first lead of the afternoon.

The rally continued as Madison Nance followed with a double to center, moving Hamilton to third. Two batters later, Peyton Watson ripped a single down the right-field line that plated both runners and extended the advantage to 4-1.

Hamilton finished 2-for-3 with two RBI, while Watson drove in two runs on her lone hit. Sarwinski and Nance each added doubles as part of Northeastern State's seven-hit effort.

In the circle, Jensyn Elder tossed a complete game for the RiverHawks, allowing one run on five hits while striking out two over seven innings. The lone Washburn run came on a solo home run by Aspen Burgardt in the second inning.

The victory improves Northeastern State to 14-8 overall and 1-0 in MIAA play, while Washburn falls to 23-7 and 0-1 in conference action.