Northeast softball splits with Concordia JV on Wednesday night

NORFOLK, Neb. – The Northeast Community College softball team run-ruled the Concordia University JV team on Wednesday night 11-3, before falling in the first game of the doubleheader, 8-3 at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk.

The Hawks (2-6) took a 2-0 lead after the first inning in Game One, but managed to let their lead slip away after Concordia JV scored four runs in the top of the third inning and four more in the final two innings.

Madison McKewon (Springfield, Neb.) went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and a walk. Maggie Berryman (Norfolk, Neb.) was 2-for-2 with a run and two walks. Jacqueline Denning (Sacramento, Calif.) went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Alyssa Turner (Columbus, Neb.) and Chantel Julian (Roseville, Calif.) each added a double.

Kierra Stewart (Dodge, Neb.) was dealt the loss after tossing five and one-third innings, allowing no earned runs off six hits, while striking out two batters and walking two.

The Hawks' bats came alive in the final game of the doubleheader, taking a 4-2 lead heading into the bottom of the third inning before exploding with four more runs in the bottom half of the inning. Northeast added two more insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth to put the game out of reach for Concordia JV.

Turner went 3-for-3 with a double, three RBI, three runs and a walk. Denning was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs, while Morgan Haner (Sterling, Neb.) was 2-for-3 with two runs. Payton Vellek (Yankton, S.D.) sealed the victory for the Hawks after crushing a double to bring around the go-ahead run that ultimately ended the game due to the run rule.

Sydney Schmitz (Nebraska City, Neb.) picked up the win. She tossed five innings, allowing two earned runs off eight hits, while walking a batter and striking out one.

The Hawks battle Iowa Western Community College on Saturday in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. at the Reiver Sports Complex in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

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.