NAMPA, Idaho – After a frustrating first game Friday, the Northwest Nazarene softball team made some adjustments and went to work offensively.

The Nighthawks salvaged a split against Simon Fraser in their Great Northwest Athletic Conference doubleheader, winning the nightcap of their doubleheader 8-7 after dropping the opener 2-0.

"I think we focused a lot more on hitting pitches early in the count," junior Abigail Otto said. "I think we watched too many pitches in the first game, and we were more confident in our swings and went to bang balls. And that worked."

The Nighthawks (14-17 overall, 5-5 GNAC) scored five runs on four hits in the first inning, as Kylie Orr singled in a run and scored on a passed ball, Lisa Sylvester singled in a run, Otto singled in a run and Anna Olson drove in a run on a fielder's choice.

After getting no runs on four hits in the opener, the Nighthawks staked Rae Young to a commanding lead in the nightcap.

"We just really wanted to focus on getting our pitch," Orr said of the second game. "They kind of beat us with the up pitch and the changeup, so our adjustment was to really be on time and get good pitches and get the barrel on them."

NNU added single runs in the second on a RBI double by Orr, in the fourth on a run-scoring single by Shelbie Martinez and in the fifth on a long solo home run by Otto.

"Our team is fighting really hard through some things and we are working really hard to turn that corner," Orr said. "If we continue to have that energy and staying up and believing in each other, we'll get there."

The Clan (14-9, 9-5) put together a big rally in the sixth inning, scoring six runs on six hits and taking advantage of two errors.

It knocked Young out of the game, as Jackie Vargas came on and escaped trouble. Young came back in the seventh to retire the side in order and finish off her victory.

"Rae really battled," Otto said. "I'm really glad she was able to come back in and shove them down."

Young threw 6 1/3 innings, allowing five runs – four earned – on seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts.

Orr finished 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBIs and a double. Otto was 2-for-3 with two RBIs, Sylvester was 2-for-4 with an RBI and Martinez was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

In the opener, freshman Jordan Adams lowered her GNAC-leading ERA to 1.99 allowing two runs – none earned – in seven sterling innings. She allowed three hits with no walks and struck out four.

The Nighthawks only managed four hits of their own, though, as Olson was 2-for-3 and Sylvester and Orr each added singles.

"It's always frustrating when your pitcher throws like that and you can't get the W," Orr said. "Especially in that low scoring of a game, but they pitched well. Give credit to them. We definitely need to do a better job of adjusting in games instead of between games."

NNU will now try to win the series with a doubleheader Saturday, with first pitch scheduled for noon.

"Our main focus right now is always coming out wanting to play," Otto said.