NAMPA, Idaho – The Northwest Nazarene softball team split a doubleheader Saturday against Saint Martin's in Great Northwest Athletic Conference action.

Junior Ray Young hit the first two home runs of her collegiate career, hitting a solo shot in both games.

The Nighthawks won the opener 3-1 before falling 6-4 in the nightcap.

"We need to come back out and work hard this week," NNU coach Rich Wagner said. "Do our best to take one step forward and get as many wins as we can."

In the opener, Young hit a blast to left field to tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third. It remained there until the sixth when Brittany Genuardi doubled off the right-field wall to score Anna Williams. Emma Longoria later scored on an error to make it 3-1.

Rylee Thomas was brilliant in the circle, allowing one run on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts to earn her fifth win this season.

In the nightcap, Jordan Adams pitched six shutout innings and a pair of solo home runs by Young and Genuardi, plus a two-run single by Kylie Orr had the Nighthawks on top 4-0 heading to the seventh.

Things unraveled quickly.

Jackie Vargas came on in relief and walked two batters. Ashlee Schriever then came in and gave up an RBI double to make it 4-1 and put runners at second and third.

Adams then came back into the game and gave up a run on a wild fielder's choice.

Saint Martin's catcher Julia Lucas hit the ball to the left side and the runner from third broke for home. She then got in a rundown and while diving back into third knocked the ball out of Abigail Otto's glove. In the confusion, the runner scored and the other runners moved up to second and third.

Regan Byrd then singled in a run and Emery Norwood drove in the tying run on a fielder's choice. The Saints took the lead for good on a Kylee Vanderbout double and a Trinity Favela sacrifice fly.

Adams took the loss, allowing three runs on six hits with no walks and six strikeouts in seven innings.

The Nighthawks (21-20 overall, 10-10 GNAC) now likely need to win their final eight remaining games to control their destiny in regard to a playoff spot.

NNU hosts last-place Montana State Billings in a pair of doubleheaders next weekend.