PEORIA, Ill. – The Purdue University Northwest softball team dropped an early 3-1 decision to Nebraska-Kearney, but bounced back nicely to earn the 3-1 victory over Emporia State in the UIS Invitational Friday afternoon.

Game 1: Nebraska-Kearney 3, PNW 1

Purdue Northwest started the game off strong in the top of the first inning, when Heather O'Kelly (Worth, Ill./Shepard) scored on a groundout-RBI by Emma Hendricks (Henryville, Ind./Henryville) to put the Pride ahead, 1-0.

Nebraska-Kearney would take the lead in the bottom of the second inning when Avery Wood and Abbie Vodicka crossed the plate and put them ahead of the Pride 2-1.

They would add one more run in the bottom of the third to give Kearney the 3-1 lead, which would end up being the final score.

Game 2: PNW 3, Emporia State 1

The Pride took an early lead yet again in the second game, when Zoee Anderson (Lafayette, Ind./Lafayette Jefferson) scored on a base hit from Kalyn Learnard (Fairmount, Ill./Catlin) to give the black and gold a 1-0 advantage.

O'Kelly would score in the fifth inning on a throwing error by Emporia State and Anderson would cross home plate for her second time in the game to extend the Prides lead, 3-0.

Emporia State would try and rally back in the final inning but would only score one as the Pride came away with the 3-1 win.

Mia Stevens (Wheatfield, Ind./Kankakee Valley) recorded the victory in the circle while throwing a complete game

PNW returns to action Monday, Mar. 11 when they start their spring trip in Clermont, Fla. against Lock Haven and the University of Charleston.