ST. GEORGE, Utah – Northwest Nazarene University freshman Jordan Adams and sophomore Rae Young each earned victories in the circle Thursday as the Nighthawks softball team opened the Dixie State Easton Classic with a pair of victories.

Adams (2-2) allowed one run in four innings with four strikeouts as NNU (4-5 overall) defeated UC Colorado Springs 9-1 in five innings.

In the nightcap, Young (1-1) gave up three runs – two earned -- in 6.1 innings as the Nighthawks knocked off Chadron State 7-3. Rylee Thomas was sharp in relief in both games.

"The pitching was outstanding today," NNU coach Rich Wagner said. "We threw a lot of strikes and we were able to go after batters and get them out. It was a fun day in the circle today."

The Nighthawks offense also had a strong day, led by left fielder Anna Williams who was 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs in the opener and 2-for-2 with a two-run home run in the second game.

"There is a reason we have Anna in the two-hole," Wagner said. "She has a lot of talent and that showed up today.

"Across the board, everybody had good at bats today. Nobody struggled. We did a good job of putting the ball into play."

Brittany Genuardi, Cassidy Fifield, Anna Olson and Lauren Bassett all had two hits in the opener. Lisa Sylvester had a two-run home run in the nightcap, while Fifield was 1-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.

The Nighthawks are back in action with two more games Friday in Utah.

"We can still do a little better of a job with those game-winning at bats," Wagner said. "Runners at second and third with two outs, two-out hits, those types of things. We picked up the wins today, but down the road those could be big hits."