April showers might bring May flowers, but they also create havoc for many outdoor sports such as NIU’s softball team.

For the 10th time this season, the Huskies (14-16, 0-2) were rained out of action. This weekend’s cancellations included Saturday’s scheduled doubleheader against Cleveland State, a North Star Conference rival, and Sunday’s twin bill against Toledo.

NIU did manage to play two games at Akron (18-17, 4-0) on Friday under less-than-favorable weather conditions and came away with even less favorable results. NIU lost both games to the Zips by scores of 3-2 in game one and 2-0 in game two, despite outhitting Akron 9-6 in the first game and 5-3 in the second.

“We outhit them in both games,” said NIU coach Dee Abrahamson. “But we didn’t get any timely hits.”

On the positive side, NIU saw the return of junior pitcher Kristen Vandenhouten. Another positive was the six-for-six performance at the plate by Lori Reimer.

“Lori’s on top of the conference in hitting and another good sign was that Kristen (Vandenhouten) pitched the whole game (game two),” Abrahamson said. “Those were two positives (of the weekend).”

On Wednesday, NIU will once again be on the road to take on Illinois State at Normal. The Huskies will finally get to play at home this weekend.

NIU will host Wright State for a Saturday doubleheader and play two against Valparaiso Sunday.

“Hopefully the weather will be good,” Abrahamson said. “We need to play more conference games because we don’t get the opportunity to make them up.”