NIU softball (3-4) began play at the Ragin’ Cajuns Tournament on Friday. In a doubleheader in Lafayette, Louisiana, they faced off against the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Louisiana. The Huskies dominated against Central Arkansas (2-5) in Game 1, before struggling offensively against the University of Louisiana (4-2) in Game 2.
GAME 1
The Huskies broke through early in the first inning with a groundout from senior infielder Madison Mathews that brought home freshman outfielder Lia Nance. Junior pitcher/utility player Danielle Stweart scored off a double from sophomore outfielder Katy Ramage, bringing the lead to two.
Stewart was dominant on the mound for the Huskies. She pitched a complete game in the shutout win. She recorded 5 strikeouts, 3 walks and allowed 2 hits in 7 innings.
Junior catcher/utility player Trinity Jones Estrada added a run in the second inning on a sacrifice fly, bringing home sophomore middle infielder/outfielder Alana Powell.
NIU wrapped up the scoring in the third inning with an RBI single from Powell, driving in Ramage for a 4-run lead.
The Huskies’ strong offensive and defensive showing was enough to hold the lead, winning the matchup against Central Arkansas on a 4-0 margin.
GAME 2
NIU was able to take an early lead over Louisiana in the first inning from a wild pitch, with senior middle infielder/outfielder Jenna Turner coming in to score to put the Huskies up 1-0.
Despite this early lead, the Huskies were notable to capitalize. A 2-run home run from junior infielder Cecilia Vasquez gave the Ragin’ Cajuns an advantage, putting them ahead in the bottom of the first.
Louisiana was able to extend this lead in the sixth inning when sophomore infielder Mia Liscano reached base on an error by Turner, allowing junior catcher/infielder McKayla Ferguson to score an unearned run. Later in the same inning, Liscano was able to steal home, bringing the lead to 4-1 for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Junior pitcher Lily Cassell had a solid outing on the mound for the Huskies, throwing 6 innings and allowing 4 runs, two of which were earned.She gave up 2 walks and did not record a strikeout. Cassell gave up 8 runs in the loss, bringing her record to 0-3 on the season.
Louisiana senior pitcher Sam Ryan shut down the Huskies’ offense, allowing 4 hits and 1 run in a complete game.She did not issue any walks and recorded 2 strikeouts.
NIU continues competition in the Ragin’ Cajuns Tournament at 8 a.m. Saturday against Sam Houston University in Lafayette, Louisiana. Live stats will be updated on StatBroadcast.
