For the NIU field hockey team, a lack of an offensive spark over the weekend once again equaled defeat.

Northwestern University defeated the Huskies 2-0 Friday at Evanston, in Midwest Collegiate Field Hockey Conference action. On Saturday, NIU came up short 2-1 at the hands of Ohio State University at Dyche Stadium.

The Huskies outshot Ohio State 17-12, but goals by Christine Stafford and Nienke Blans put the Buckeyes up 2-0 at the half. Junior Kristina Hahn added her team-leading third goal of the season for the Huskies early in the second half to cut the deficit in half.

The Wildcats outshot NIU 26-6, but NIU freshman goalkeeper Gretchen Splinter kept the game close with 13 saves for the Huskies.

Laurie Bell’s squad now takes a break from conference action to participate in a three-day tournament at Saint Louis University. NIU (1-8-1, 0-4-1) will begin play Friday against Southwest Missouri State University.