NIU softball (1-3) picked up its first win of the season in Friday’s doubleheader at the Grand Canyon Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona. The Huskies won 11-3 in a blowout against the University of Montana Grizzlies (1-1) in Game 1 and lost 10-4 against the Wichita State University Shockers (2-0) in Game 2.
“We learned a lot today as a team,” NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason said. “We are learning our identity and who we are going to be. A lot of great things today. Great to get the first win.”
GAME 1
The Huskies started the scoring early in the first inning, powered by a 3-run homer by junior pitcher/utility player Danielle Stewart. Junior catcher/utility player Trinity Jones Estrada secured an additional RBI.
Montana answered back in the first and second innings with three runs. Grizzly senior infielder Hannah Jablonski, senior infielder Jocelyn Eisen and senior outfielder Presley Jantzi all recorded RBIs. Despite the effort, Montana was never able to capitalize and take the lead.
NIU took advantage of the Grizzlies’ errors in the third and fourth innings. A fielding error allowed senior third/first baseman Madison Mathews to score, followed by another error that allowed freshman utility player Mia Morera to score. Mathews sealed the game with a two-run homer, extending the Huskies lead to 8-3.
NIU utilized three pitchers. Freshman pitcher/second baseman Taylor Mackin got the start on the mound. Mackin pitched 1.2 innings before senior pitcher Madison Carlson got the ball for 2.1 innings. Junior pitcher Lily Cassell closed the game out by striking out the side.
The three pitchers combined for 5 strikeouts, 1 walk and 2 earned runs.
“In the offseason, we have worked a lot on our approach and were able to see a lot of pitches all winter,” said senior middle infielder/outfielder Jenna Turner, who had 5 hits in 6 at-bats in the doubleheader. “I think I was able to translate that successfully into our games tonight.”
Montana remained scoreless for the rest of the game, securing the win for the Huskies.
GAME 2
In the second game of their doubleheader, NIU fell behind early against Wichita State.
The Shockers put up a pair of home runs by junior outfielder Jodie Epperson and graduate student outfielder Lauren Lucas, totaling 3 RBIs.
The Huskies responded with clutch hits from Stewart and sophomore outfielder Katy Ramage, who tripled down the infield line. They were able to take the lead the only time this game, scoring 4 RBIs.
The Shockers were able to rally back in the third. A sacrifice lineout by Wichita freshman utility player Catelyn Beckerley was able to tie the game. Wichita was able to put up three additional home runs by junior utility player Taylor Sedlacek, Beckerly and Epperson.
Epperson led the Shockers with two home runs and four RBIs.
Junior pitcher Alex Aguilar started the game for Wichita, giving up xs4 runs in five innings pitched. Freshman pitcher Ava Sliger took over for Aguilar in the sixth inning, keeping it scoreless the rest of the game. Aguilar was able to get her first win of the season in this appearance.
Cassell started on the mound for the Huskies pitching 2.2 innings and giving up 7 earned runs before getting relieved by Stewart in the second inning. Cassell picked up her second loss of the season in this appearance.
Stewart gave up 3 earned runs and pitched 2 innings until she was replaced by sophomore pitcher Hannah Bolly. Bolly ended up keeping the Shockers scoreless for the rest of the game.
“We did a great job responding to our opponents’ scoring, and making sure we kept on competing the whole day,” Stewart said. “We’re excited to get back on the field tomorrow and keep building off of each game.”
NIU remained scoreless after the third inning, sealing the game for Wichita State with a score of 10-4.
UP NEXT
The Huskies finish play at the Grand Canyon Tournament at 10 a.m. Saturday against Colgate University in Phoenix, Arizona. Live stats will be available through StatBroadcast.
