Softball Suns Swept in Tahlequah

Northeastern State University swept a non-conference softball doubleheader from the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns at RiverHawks Park in Tahlequah, Okla., on Sunday.

The RiverHawks (2-0) defeated the Golden Suns by scores of 2-1 and 6-5. With the losses, Arkansas Tech’s 2012 softball record dropped to 2-2.

Kylee McKinney delivered the go-ahead RBI single for Northeastern State in the bottom of the sixth inning of game one.

NSU pitcher Cayce Coleman (1-0) pitched around a lead-off single by Arkansas Tech’s Alicia Zack and a walk to Ashton Long to pitch a scoreless top of the seventh and preserve the RiverHawks’ 2-1 win.

Coleman allowed three hits and struck out six over seven innings of work.

Rachel Keeton (1-1) pitched a complete game for the Golden Suns and allowed two runs on five hits in six innings. She struck out four.

Hayley Hudson recorded Arkansas Tech’s lone run in game one with a solo home run in the top of the fourth. Lindsea Ross tied it for NSU with an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth, and McKinney notched what proved to be the game-winning hit for the RiverHawks two innings later.

Zack had three hits and Siarra Gomez drove in two runs in game two to help the Golden Suns build a 5-1 lead going to the seventh and final inning.

A pair of Arkansas Tech errors helped Northeastern State rally for five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and a 6-5 win. Madison Reed recorded a walk-off RBI single to give the RiverHawks a come-from-behind win.

Shelby Enloe (1-0) pitched three and one-third innings of scoreless relief to earn the win in the circle for NSU.

Keeton (1-2) was the losing pitcher in the nightcap. She allowed one unearned run on two hits in the seventh inning after coming on in relief of Victoria Huie, who received no decision after six and one-third innings of work. Huie allowed five runs, three of which were earned, on six hits.

The Golden Suns will participate in the Midwestern State Spring Classic Feb. 17-19 in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Click here to learn more about Arkansas Tech softball.

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