RiverHawks Open LSC Play with UCO

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State after several weather delays to begin the 2010 season received a break in the inclement weather the past two weeks and were able to complete eight games. Now the RiverHawks open Lone Star Conference play Tuesday against arch-rival Central Oklahoma.

The twin bill will begin at 1 p.m. at the NSU Softball Complex.

“This past weekend we were able to do the little things and we made some great defensive plays,” said Northeastern State had coach Dee Gerlach, as the RiverHawks posted a 2-2 record in the four games.

“We got some key hits and got a big win against Emporia State (1-0). We went 9 innings against Emporia and won the game on a squeeze play in the bottom of the 9th.

“In that game we had some great defensive plays and Cayce Coleman pitched really well,’ said Gerlach.

Gerlach said she has been pleased with the improved hitting of Kylie Morton, who was 5-for-10 and the catching of Megan Haskett, who moved behind the plate from the outfield for the injured Kelsi Hilderbrandt, who sustained a dislocated finger several weeks ago. Gerlach is not sure when Hilderbrandt will return to the RiverHawks’ lineup.

“She has done a great job,” said Gerlach. Haskett, who is a sophomore, hasn’t been behind the plate since high school, “has done a great job catching, receiving and working on her throws. She has just done a great job for someone who hasn’t caught since high school.”

Although the record doesn’t indicate it at 5-11 for the season, Gerlach feels her club is showing improvement.

“They are starting to figure out the level of play is so much faster and are now getting use to it,” said Gerlach. “They are learning how to hit at this level. They are seeing pitchers don’t throw it to the middle of the plate all the time. ”

Northeastern State played eight games during the past two weeks all on the road in Joplin, Mo., fell to Pittsburgh State 7-0, 12-0 Central Missouri 7-1, Northwest Missouri 6-4, and Missouri Western 5-3, while defeating Emporia State 1-0, Northwestern Missouri 5-3 and Truman State 6-4.

Coleman, who won all three ball games over the weekend, is now 3-4 for the season. Gerlach said that Lacee Craig, who is on a pitch limit due to a shoulder injury, is staring to throw better, according to Gerlach.

“She is looking better and is starting to hit her spots better,” said Gerlach. “I’m encouraged by her throwing lately.”

Overall Gerlach is pleased with a team’s performance which is made up mainly of freshmen and sophomores.

“We’ve played a tough schedule and now we staring the second half of our season. Now going into conference it’s going to be a dogfight every time.”