HAWKS SPLIT FOUR GAMES AT THE PRESENTATION COLLEGE DOME CLASSIC

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northeast Community College softball team split their season opening four-game slate at the Presentation College Dome Classic in Aberdeen, S.D.

The Hawks (2-2) dropped their first two matchups Sunday against North Dakota State College of Science, 13-6 and 10-6, but rallied to win the two contests on Monday against Lake Region State College, 27-13 and 10-5.

In Game 1 on Sunday, the Hawks jumped out to an early 2-1 lead over the first two innings before the Wildcats tacked on seven runs over the third and fourth innings.

Emilee Spitz (Columbus, Neb.) smashed her first home run of the season in the third inning and reached base three other times via walks. Josie Knust (Plattsmouth, Neb.) hit a two-RBI single in the fifth inning and walked twice. Greta Lindberg (Tekamah, Neb.) took the loss, hurling five innings, while allowing three earned runs off six hits. She also struck out six batters and walked six.

Game 2 of the doubleheader saw Brianna Aguilera (Pierce, Neb.) tally three RBIs off two hits. The Hawks rallied in the in the seventh inning to score three runs before ultimately dropping the game. Spitz took the loss pitching over four and one-third innings and gave up nine earned runs.

The Hawks found their way into the win column for the first time on the young season Monday morning against Lake Region State College and added another Monday afternoon against the Royals.

Abby Balfour (Nebraska City, Neb.) had an incredible day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two home runs.

Balfour wasn't the only Hawks hitter to have a productive day, as Lindberg tied the Northeast school record for home runs in a game with three. Lindberg also took the win on the mound, pitching all five innings in the shortened game and striking out four batters.

The Hawks and the Royals took an extra frame to decide a winner in Game 2. After a 4-4 stalemate in the seven-inning contest, the Royals scored one run in the top half of inning eight. The Hawks pushed across six runs in the bottom half of the inning to take the win and split their four-game road trip. Knust entered the game in relief of Spitz and picked up the win over one and two-thirds innings pitched.

The Hawks entertain Iowa Western Community College in their home opener at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk.

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