RiverHawks Blank Blue Tigers In Two-Game Set

The Northeastern State softball team swept a two-game series against Lincoln Friday afternoon.

The RiverHawks (16-16, 8-4 MIAA) took game one 4-0, while the Blue Tigers (10-13-1, 2-8 MIAA) were shutout 11-0 in five innings in the second game.

This marked the first time NSU has shutout an opponent twice on the same day since April 11, 2008 (Central Baptist). Northeastern State is also currently on a six-game win streak, the longest such streak since the team won nine in a row midway through the 2007 campaign.

NSU 4 , LU 0

Northeastern State scored two runs early in the game to lead Lincoln 2-0 in the top of the first frame. Senior Lisa Ripperger scored junior Madison Reed on a single to left field. Senior Kelsi Hilderbrandt scored the RiverHawks second run when senior Cayce Coleman singled to right field.

NSU maintained its lead heading into the top of the fourth inning, and a two-run homer from freshman Saharra Henson pushed the lead to the final score of 4-0.

Henson led NSU with two runs batted in, and she also hit her fifth home run of the season. Ripperger and Coleman also drove in runs.

The RiverHawks' hurler Coleman (5-3) took the win in the circle after throwing a complete game shutout. She also allowed only five hits and went 3-for-4 at the plate.

NSU 11 , LU 0

Northeastern State tabbed one quick run in the top of the first inning to lead Lincoln 1-0.

Reed led off the third inning with a single down the left field line, and junior Amanda Harjo followed with a single of her own. Hilderbrandt walked to load the bases, and Ripperger singled to right center to score Reed and Harjo and improve the lead to 3-0. Junior Allyson Pogue doubled to center field to score Ripperger and Hilderbrandt and NSU ended the inning with a 5-0 lead.

The fourth frame saw Harjo scoring the sixth run for NSU on a wild pitch after reaching base on a double to left field, advancing the score to 6-0.

The RiverHawks erupted for another five runs in the top of the fifth inning to seal the fate of Lincoln with a run-rule 11-0 in Northeastern State's favor

Harjo led NSU with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate, and she also scored three runs. Pogue, Hilderbrandt and Ripperger all drove home two, and Reed scored twice.

Sophomore Shelby Enloe (5-1) threw a four-hit complete-game shutout. She struck out two and did not walk a batter.

The RiverHawks are now set for a showdown with No. 10 Central Oklahoma. The two teams will battle in Edmond, Okla., on April 12, with the first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.