NORFOLK, Neb. -- The Northeast Community College baseball team came through with a clutch win in an elimination game at the Region 11 tournament in Burlington, Iowa.

After dropping a 5-4 decision to North Iowa Area Community College and an 8-7 extra-innings defeat to Kirkwood Community College, the Hawks rebounded with an 8-7 win over Des Moines Area Community College.

Northeast again went up early against DMACC, holding a 5-0 advantage before the third inning.

DMACC then thundered through the middle part of the matchup to go up 7-5 through their half of the fifth frame.

Eli Crnkovich tossed four strong innings in relief to keep the Hawks alive before Derek Woolwine ripped a go-ahead single in the eighth inning. Gage Ingram recorded the final three outs for Northeast to extend their season at least another day. 

“It was a long day, but we fought all day,” Northeast head coach Marcus Clapp said. “One game at a time is all we can focus on. Our group has to play for each other and leave it all out there. We will continue to battle and fight.” 

Northeast will play again this evening at 5:00 p.m. against an opponent to be determined.