The Lady Norse hit the road on Saturday February 17th to head to University of Arkansas Rich Mountain for a non-conference matchup against the Bucks. The Lady Norse put the Bucks away quickly with a big five run third inning. Madison Pratt led the way, driving in five runs on four hits to lead the offense. Pratt had two singles and a triple. NEO wasted no time scoring when Iott hit a two-out double, Pratt had an RBI single, and Destiny Tune drove in the second run with a double. Tune added another double in the 3rd inning as well. Tune had a three hit game, Sydney Price and Jayley Ray also each had two hits. Iott and Bandel also had a hit. NEO had 4 walks in the game: Bandel, Calico, Iott, and Price. NEO totaled 8 stolen bases: Bandel (2), Christy, Davidson, Iott, Price, Ray, and Tune all with one a piece. Lillie Johnson pitched the full game, giving up only four hits and striking out six, leaving the bucks batting a measly .148 against the the sophomore pitcher from Maize, KS. 

Game two did not fall NEO's way with a 7-6 loss in eight innings. The Lady Norse were winning 6-2 in the sixth but struggled defensively and the bucks ended the inning with a 6-6 score. The seventh inning went unscored, and the bucks walked it off in the bottom of the eighth, despite out hitting UARM. Iott, Price, and Ray each totaled two hits. Calico, Pratt, and Wade each added a hit as well. Both Price and Calico had a double. Madison Pratt drew two walks. Emily Carpenter laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt in the top of the 4th inning to put Ray in scoring position. NEO's kryptonite of the game were the four errors in the field. Jill McDaniel got the start in the circle. She went 5.2 innings with two strikeouts. Lillie Johnson relieved her, pitching 2 innings out of the bullpen, with three strikeouts. 

NEO Softball is back on the road on Wednesday February 21st against Crowder College. Game one is slated for 1pm.