Central Oklahoma Sweeps RiverHawks

TAHLEQUAH, OKLA. --- Northeastern State opened Lone Star Conference play Tuesday afternoon at the NSU Softball Complex and the RiverHawks fell to visiting Central Oklahoma twice 3-0 and 2-1.

The RiverHawks are now 0-2 in LSC play and 5-13 for the season. The Bronchos are 2-0 in league play and 11-5 on the year.

In the opener UCO scored single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to post the victory. The Bronchos collected 9 base hits against NSU’s Lacee Craig, who took the loss. Craig struck out 3 and walked three. Molly Shivers (6-3) got the win for UCO, striking out 7 and walking 3.

Northeastern’s Shelbi Bowin opened the second inning with a double to left field, but the RiverHawks were unable push a run across the plate.

 Northeastern also had opportunities to score third through the seventh inning, but could not get the timely hit, leaving runners in scoring position. Jenny Collins led the NSU hitting attack going 2-for-3 at the plate, including a double in the seventh inning.

In the nightcap  Northeastern took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Lisa Ripperger singled up the middle and moved to second base on a wild pitch by Rachael Steverson. Collins singled and Ripperger moved  to third. Following an April Marsee strike out, Heskett singled home Ripperger for the 1-0 RiverHawks lead.

The Bronchos tied the game in the fifth on a solo home run by Kacie Raines over the right centerfield wall. In the seventh UCO’s Brittany Geter homered over the left field wall.

NSU’s Cayce Coleman (3-5) took the loss, scattering four hits in seven innings, striking out 2 and walking three. Bronchos’ Steverson (4-2) got the win scattering 6 hits, walking 3 and striking out 8.

The two clubs will play a doubleheader in Edmond on Saturday at 1 p.m.