Iowa Lakes takes doubleheader from Northeast

NORFOLK, Neb. – The Northeast Community College softball team came close to its first conference win of the season, but it wasn't close enough as Iowa Lakes Community College topped the Hawks 6-5 and 8-3 on Tuesday at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk, Neb.

The Hawks (2-26, 0-10 ICAC) made early work in the bottom of the first inning, scoring two runs after the Lakers added a run in the top of the inning

The Northeast bats would go quiet until Rosario Garcia (Northglenn, Colo.) smacked a two-run home run to pull the Hawks within two runs.

Freshman Maggie Berryman (Norfolk, Neb.) doubled in the bottom of the fifth to bring the home team within a run. Jacqueline Denning (Sacramento, Calif.) followed with a double to tie the game a five apiece. But, a sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh sealed the victory for the Lakers.

Garcia led the Hawks at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, a home run and two runs. Madison McKewon (Springfield, Neb.) and Berryman each had two hits, including a double.

McKewon took the loss in the circle, tossing three innings of relief, allowing an earned run off four hits, while striking out two batters.

In the final game of the doubleheader, Iowa Lakes jumped out to a 3-1 lead after four innings, while ultimately adding four runs in the fifth to put the game out of reach for the Hawks.

Regan Reicks (Dunlap, Iowa) was 2-for-3 with a two doubles and two RBI. Denning added a double and an RBI in the loss.

McKewon was dealt the loss after throwing four and one-third innings, giving up an earned run off seven hits, while walking two batters and striking out one.

The Hawks take on Ellsworth Community College at 1 p.m. Saturday in Norfolk. The games scheduled for Thursday against Southeast Community College have been cancelled. The Brookie Strong Benefit that was also scheduled for Thursday has been moved to Saturday.

For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.