For NIU’s softball squad, ending the season on a winning note was considered to be a necessity.

The Huskies somewhat fulfilled that necessity by gaining a split at home Tuesday afternoon with non-conference foe Western Illinois.

The Huskies ended the regular season with a 26-19 overall mark and an 8-4 North Star Conference ledger, earning them the No. 2 seed in the upcoming NSC Tournament.

NIU managed to pull out a 3-1 victory in game two of the twin bill. The Huskies lost the first game 2-1.

In that first game, both teams played conservative softball, not wanting to give the game away.

In the bottom of the sixth inning with Western on top 2-0, NIU was able to strike. Kim Crottinger led the inning off with a walk and advanced on a sacrifice bunt. She later scored on a wild pitch which made the score 2-1.

But that’s how it ended for the Huskies as Lisa Gilfoy struck out to end the game.

Game two was another low scoring affair with several stellar defensive efforts.

With the score tied at one in the top of the sixth, Western was allowed to load the bases with only one out. But Lori Reimer, who almost sat out due to injury, caught a sinking liner and threw to second base for the inning-ending double play.

Reimer wasn’t done though. With NIU runners on second and third in the bottom of the sixth, Reimer singled to left field to drive in the eventual winning runs.

Head coach Dee Abrahamson was pleased with her team’s performance, despite losing the first game.

“I think we did what we had to do today,” said Abrahamson. “We kept getting people to the plate which is what we needed to do before the (NSC) Tournament.”

The NSC Tournament, which begins May 3 at Wisconsin-Green Bay, will put NIU up against Valparaiso, a team the Huskies swept earlier in the season.

Despite Valparaiso’s poor record, Abrahamson is not about to take the team lightly.

“Erin Reiter is their No. 1 pitcher, and we need to play well in order to beat her,” claimed Abrahamson. “We’re also going to have to adapt to any poor field conditions we encounter.”

NIU’s first round game takes place Friday at 3 p.m. at Ashwaubomay Park.