COLUMBUS - The Lincoln North Star Navigators started the season off on a strong note, traveling to Columbus and heading back to the Capital City with a pair of wins.

After coming off a 24-14 season, the Gators lost a few key pieces, but look ready to reload and compete at the highest level in head coach Dale Ruhl's second season. 

Columbus enters the season after losing its three best hitters and will look to find a few young stars in their talented group.

In the first game on Thursday night, Lincoln North Star found early success in the circle with future UNO Maverick, Hailey Boltz. Boltz pitched a beauty, striking out 7 of the 12 batters she saw.

The Gators offense had a few big innings, scoring 6 in the second inning and 5 in the fifth inning. 

Lincoln North Star's lock down defense and 14 hits, including 6 doubles, helped them secure an 11-1 victory in the opener.

 In the second game, the Gators cracked the scoreboard first, as Hailey Boltz scored on a pass ball. The Discoverers came right back after back to back singles, finished off by a Lexus Hill two RBI double to give Columbus a 2-1 lead early.

The Gators tied the game next inning, but Columbus jumped right back in front 4-2 after two Gator walks led to Discoverer runs.

Lincoln North Star put up another crooked number in the 4th inning, tallying 8 runs to move ahead of Columbus 10-4.

The Discovers rallied late, but it wasn't enough as Lincoln North Star held on to a 13-9 victory in game two.

Hailey Boltz was News Channel Nebraska's "Player of the Game", pitching 6.0 innings, recording 11 total strikeouts and two wins, plus four hits, 6 RBI's and 4 runs scored.