Contributed for NSU Sports by Jeremy Liles
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Northeastern State opened the 2018 season with a 3-2 victory over Missouri S&T and followed with 8-3 win over Ouachita Baptist at the Ronnie Hawkins Invitational on Friday afternoon.
The RiverHawks move to 2-0 on the year.
NSU pitcher Gail Young set the tone with a steady performance in the circle, allowing only four hits, giving up two runs and striking out three. NSU posted two runs in the second inning after two walks and single loaded the bases. Sierra Crick‘s single plated two for 2-0 lead. Jessica Boone put the RiverHawks up 3-0 with a RBI single in the third. Despite giving up two in the bottom of the third, NSU held on for a 3-2 victory.
In game two, Northeaster State scored four runs in the fifth and four more in the seventh to cruise to an 8-3 victory. Paige Gann belted her 34th career home run and Crick collected three more RBI. Sydney Balderrama struck out four in five and third innings of work to claim the win. Young came on in a save situation to close out the game.
The RiverHawks will continue play on Saturday taking on Southern Arkansas at 11 a.m and finish the day against Christian Brothers at 3 p.m.