NAMPA, Idaho – Madalyn Smith blasted a three-run home run during a six-run fourth inning as the Northwest Nazarene University softball team earned a split Saturday with Eastern Oregon.

The Nighthawks (7-9 overall) won the opener 11-5 before falling 6-3 in the nightcap.

Trailing 2-0 in the second inning, Madison Strickler hit a two-run single to tie the game. In the third inning, Brittany Genuardi hit a two-run homer and NNU went ahead 5-3.
In the fourth, Ivy Hommel hit a solo shot to center, Abigail Otto hit a run-scoring single, Strickler had an RBI single and then Smith homered for an 11-3 lead.

"We played well today," NNU coach Rich Wagner said. "Due to some injuries, we had a lot of non-starters step up this weekend. It was fun to watch them have success."

Jordan Adams got the victory, allowing five runs – four earned – in five innings pitched with six strikeouts.

Strickler finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs, Otto was 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored, Lisa Sylvester was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and Brittany Genuardi was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a home run.

In the nightcap, Rylee Thomas allowed four runs – three earned – in 6.1 innings to take the hard-luck loss.

"Our pitchers did a better job commanding the strike zone," Wagner said. "In Game 1, we were consistent at the plate. In Game 2, we didn't hit well enough with runners in scoring position.

Otto finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Kylie Orr was 2-for-4 with the other RBI for the Nighthawks.

NNU has next weekend off before opening conference play on Friday, March 2 at Western Washington.