Both teams were strong in the pitcher's circle Wednesday, but NEO defeated University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in a hard earned 3-1 win. Kayla Paulo allowed just seven hits and only allowed one run, striking out four. NEO totaled six hits on the day. Destiny Tune, Kendall Hannon, Kayla Paulo, and Kalan Nye all had hits. Kendall Hannon also tacked on a long ball in the second inning. Rachel Arric had a pinch hit monster homerun in the bottom of the sixth inning for her first collegiate at bat. Hannon led NEO with two hits in three at bats.

Game two ended in a 7-5 win for the Lady Norse. Nye was on the rubber for NEO. The pitcher allowed seven hits and five runs over seven innings, striking out five. NEO played a clean defensive game with no errors in the field. The Lady Norse got things moving in the first inning when Payton Compton doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring Destiny Tune, who started the game with a leadoff single. Freshman Skyler Wade also had a big double in the first inning, coming around to score on Kendall Hannon's double. NEO pulled away for good with one run in the third inning.  In the third Kendall Hannon singled on a 3-2 count, scoring Madison Lee, who was on from a single to left field and then into scoring position with a stolen base. NEO Lady built a five-run lead in the fifth inning. The big bats were led by Compton, Skyler Wade, Rachel Arric, and Kalan Nye, who all drove in runs. The Lady Norse bats came alive in game two, totaling 14 hits with 5 doubles. 

NEO travels to Allen County on Saturday, February 18th, and then returns home for a double header on Sunday, February 19th against Iowa Western. First pitch slated for noon.