NIU softball kicked off their season Thursday night on the road against the Grand Canyon University Antelopes (2-0) in the Grand Canyon Tournament. Game 1 saw the Huskies struggle at the plate, as the Antelopes threw 10 total strikeouts between three pitchers. Unable to work their way around solid pitching, NIU fell to GCU 5-2 to open the season.
Game 2 told a similar story, as the Huskies couldn’t capitalize on a 4-3 lead in the middle of the third inning. NIU’s struggles in the circle helped build GCU’s lead in both games, despite the offense picking up. Unable to catch up, the Huskies (0-2) dropped Game 2 9-4.
“In the first game, we weren’t as aggressive at the plate,” NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason said. “We weren’t ourselves offensively. (GCU) is a great offense. They’re three-time (Western Athletic Conference) defending champions. I think we were in both games, really. We were more ourselves in the second game offensively in the way we took our approach at the plate. It’s the first day. We learn from each game, and we keep moving forward.”
Senior first/third baseman Madison Mathews went 0-for-3 in game one, striking out once. She picked it up in game two, going 3-4 at the plate. Mathews notched two doubles and scored a run in NIU’s second loss of the day. Despite the results, the Yuma, Arizona, native loved the opportunity to play in her home state to start the season.
“I was really excited to be able to play in front of my family,” Mathews said. “The ball flies really nicely here in Arizona. I just really needed to settle in after my first few at-bats and get back to my game. I was really excited to see all of the work that I’ve done, not only from my career, but especially this fall pay off in the first few games this season.”
Sophomore middle infielder and outfielder Alana Powell recorded 2 hits and 1 run in Game 1, including a double in the sixth inning. In the same inning, Powell scored her single run on sophomore outfielder Katy Ramage’s ground-out. Powell said these two losses helped the team assess where they are now, and where they want to be.
“We came out here and decided to have fun,” Powell said. “This wasn’t the best way to start. Of course, we want to win, but it was good seeing where we’re at now, and where we stand. Honestly, it’s only up from here. I feel pretty confident in the team.”
The Huskies didn’t deliver any inspiring performances in the circle today. Junior pitcher and utility player Danielle Stewart lost her first game of the season, throwing a singular strikeout and allowing six hits and five runs in game one. Junior pitcher Lily Cassell also took her first loss of the season in Game Two. She threw 4 strikeouts, but gave up eight hits, seven runs and three walks. Both pitchers played through three and one-third innings.
UP NEXT
The Huskies continue competing in the Grand Canyon Tournament against the University of Montana Grizzlies at 1 p.m. Friday in Phoenix, Arizona. Live stats will be updated on StatBroadcast.
