SENATOBIA, Miss. — The East Central Community College Warriors split a doubleheader with Northwest Mississippi Community College on Saturday, dropping game one 12-11 before responding with a 14-10 victory in the nightcap.

In the opener, East Central battled throughout but came up just short in a back-and-forth contest that featured 24 combined runs.

The Warriors struck early, scoring in the first inning when Ryan Nelson drove in a run to give East Central a 1-0 lead. East Central continued to build momentum in the second inning, plating two more runs to move ahead 3-1.

The offense stayed aggressive in the third and fourth innings, scoring three runs in each frame to stretch the lead to 9-4. Mason Hickman, Luke Schnoor and Kaden Pagett each delivered key RBIs during the stretch as the Warriors collected 13 hits in the game.

Northwest Mississippi responded in the sixth inning with a five-run rally to pull within striking distance before adding two runs in the eighth and a walk-off run in the ninth to secure the 12-11 win.

Hickman finished with three hits, while DeMarkez West and Pagett each added multiple hits. Schnoor drove in two runs and Nelson added an RBI as East Central's lineup produced consistent pressure throughout the game.

The Warriors bounced back in game two behind a strong offensive performance, scoring 14 runs on 12 hits to secure the split.

After Northwest Mississippi scored in the first inning, East Central answered with a six-run second inning to take control of the game. The rally was highlighted by RBIs from Jackson White, Davin Lowery and Xavier Myles as the Warriors surged ahead.

East Central continued to add runs throughout the game, scoring two in the third inning and another in the fourth before extending the lead with a three-run sixth inning.

Brant Melancon led the Warriors offensively with three hits and three runs scored, while Lowery added two hits and two RBIs. Myles also drove in two runs, and White finished with two RBIs as part of East Central's balanced attack.

On the mound, Luke Williams earned the win after striking out six batters in 3.2 innings of work.

Despite a late push from Northwest Mississippi, East Central held off the rally to secure the 14-10 victory and earn a split on the road.