Northeast softball swept by North Platte

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – The Northeast Community College softball team was back in action on Sunday in non-conference play, falling to North Platte Community College 8-3 and 9-8 in nine innings in North Platte, Neb.

The Hawks (0-8) fell behind early in the first game, but managed to push across a run in the second inning and two more in the fourth to take a 3-2 lead. However, the Hawk's offense was halted for the rest of the game as North Platte capitalized on back-to-back errors to down Northeast.

Maggie Berryman (Norfolk, Neb.) led the Hawks with two hits and run, while Sydney Kelley (Omaha, Neb.), Chantel Julian (Roseville, Calif.), Madison McKewon (Springfield, Neb.), Lindsey Anderson (Dunlap, Iowa) and Paige Maly (Weston, Neb.) each had a hit.

Northeast built a 6-1 lead heading into the third inning in the final game on the day, but North Platte wouldn't go down without a fight. The Knights pulled within two runs, until the Hawks took a 7-4 lead in the sixth inning, thanks to four walks.

However, it was North Platte that had the final say, scoring on an error by Northeast in the sixth inning. Another error in the seventh put runners on second and third for North Platte and a sacrifice fly ultimately sent the game into extra innings.

The Hawks pushed across a run in the eighth, but the Knights managed to secure the win in the ninth.

Berryman and McKewon went 2-for-4, while Kelley was 1-for-4, with two RBI and a run.

Northeast welcomes Dakota State University JV for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m., Tuesday at Ta-Ha-Zouka Softball Complex in Norfolk.

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.