TOPEKA, Kan. – The Washburn Ichabods fell in their MIAA opening doubleheader falling 4-1 and 7-3 to Northeastern State on Friday afternoon at Gahnstrom Field. The Ichabods will return to action on Saturday at 12 p.m. in another MIAA doubleheader against Rogers State.

Game 1 – NSU 4, WU 1
Washburn opened MIAA play with a 4-1 loss to Northeastern State on Friday afternoon at Gahnstrom Field despite a solid pitching performance and several scoring chances throughout the game.

The Ichabods struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Aspen Burgardt provided Washburn's lone run of the afternoon. Burgardt drove a 2-0 pitch over the center field fence for a solo home run, giving Washburn an early 1-0 lead. It was one of five hits for the Ichabods and accounted for their only run of the game.

Northeastern State answered in the third inning to tie the game. After a leadoff single and sacrifice bunt moved a runner into scoring position, Mattison Hamilton delivered an RBI single to left field to even the score at 1-1.

Washburn threatened in the bottom of the third when Erin Boles singled up the middle and later advanced to third base following a sacrifice bunt and groundout, but the Ichabods were unable to bring her home. Boles continued to pace the Washburn offense, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, including a double in the fifth inning.

The game remained tied until the sixth inning when Northeastern State put together its decisive rally. Mia Sarwinski started the frame with a double and came around to score on Hamilton's second RBI single of the game to give the RiverHawks a 2-1 lead. Later in the inning, Peyton Watson added a two-run single down the right field line, scoring Madison Nance and Hamilton to extend the advantage to 4-1.

Washburn attempted to answer in the bottom half of the sixth. Dalaney Anderson worked a walk and Burgardt drew another free pass to put two runners aboard. Kate Ediger followed with a single to right field, but Northeastern State escaped the jam without allowing a run.

In the seventh inning, Boles recorded her third hit with a single to right center to bring the tying run to the plate, but the Ichabods were unable to continue the rally as the RiverHawks closed out the victory.

Washburn finished the game with five hits, led by Boles' three-hit performance while Burgardt went 1-for-1 with a home run, RBI and two walks. Ediger added a single as well.

In the circle, Sadie Walker pitched a complete game for the Ichabods, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out nine in seven innings of work.

Game 2 – NSU 7, WU 3
Northeastern State jumped out quickly in the opening inning, scoring four runs on a grand slam from Annsleigh Morris giving the RiverHawks a 4-0 lead. They added three more runs in the second inning on an RBI single from Mattison Hamilton and a two-run single by Morris to push the advantage to 7-0.

Washburn broke through in the third inning when Aspen Burgardt drove in a run on a fielder's choice, scoring Ashlyn Gaughan, who had pinch run earlier in the frame.

The Ichabods added two more runs in the sixth inning. Danielle Schlader started the rally with a pinch-hit double and later scored when Dani Duran stole home during a double steal sequence. Kate Dolan then crossed the plate moments later when Madi Moore delivered an RBI double to left field to cut the deficit to 7-3.

Washburn finished with four hits in the game as Moore led the way with a 2-for-3 performance with an RBI double, while Burgardt and Schlader also recorded hits.

In the circle, Jenna Sprague provided strong relief for the Ichabods, tossing 5.2 innings and allowing just one run on seven hits after entering in the second inning.

Washburn moved to 23-8 overall and 0-2 in MIAA play, while Northeastern State improved to 15-8 overall and 2-0 in conference action.