NIU softball (6-13) closed out the Montana Softball Classic strong with a 3-1 win over the University of Montana Grizzlies (10-16). The Huskies finished the tournament 2-3.

NIU controlled the game from the pitcher’s circle, allowing just one run and leaving six Grizzlies on base.

Junior pitcher Madison Carlson got the start and threw 4.1 innings with 1 run allowed on 4 hits. Carlson walked four and struck out three.

“Trusting my teammates and trusting myself and all my pitches,” Carlson said. “I just didn’t let knowing that there were people on base get in my head at all.”

Sophomore pitcher Lily Cassell relieved Carlson with one out in the fifth and two runners on base. In her third appearance of the season, Cassell shut down the Grizzlies’ rally and closed out the game with no runs or hits allowed and just one walk.

“She definitely got tested today,” said NIU softball head coach Christina Sutcliffe. “I think that’s great pressure for preparing for the MAC. This being her first weekend back, she’s able to get two starts and come in and get the save. So, it’s all about experience.”

Montana’s lone run came off a solo home run by junior infielder Jocelyn Eisen in the bottom of the third.

BOTTOM ORDER ANCHOR

The back half of the lineup carried the Huskies’ offense as all three runs were driven in by the final four hitters in the order.

“We know that one-through-nine we can definitely get it done, but anytime you’ve got the middle of your lineup setting the table and the bottom being able to get it done, it gives you confidence that, no matter where you are in the lineup, you’ve got a chance to win,” Sutcliffe said.

Senior outfielder Courtney James drove in the first run of the game in the top of the second as junior middle infielder/outfielder Avery Carnahan came across home plate with the help of a fielding error.

James continued a productive day, scoring on an RBI double from fifth year middle infielder Isabel Shafer to regain the lead 2-1 in the fifth inning.

James finished the weekend 4-for-5 against the Grizzlies.

Carnahan capped off the scoring with an RBI single down the left field line to score sophomore outfielder Brianna Pechman in the sixth.

STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION

The Huskies finished with a losing record in their fourth and final tournament before MAC play, but NIU did not lose a single tournament game by more than three runs for the first time this season.

“We’re beginning to trust each other and that, if the person next to us isn’t gonna get the job done, that we have each other behind to get the job done,” James said. “So, we’re working together as a team rather than just single people on the field.”

UP NEXT

The Huskies head into MAC play starting 2 p.m. CT Friday with a three game series at Margo Jonker Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, against Central Michigan University. Live streaming will be available on CMU Athletics.