NIU softball (3-5) fell to the Sam Houston State University Bearkats (4-5) Saturday by a score of 1-0 in a pitcher’s duel, where strong performances on the mound kept both sides contesting.  

“We had great pitching performances by Hannah (Bolly) and Taylor (Mackin) on the mound,” NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason said. “We just need to make adjustments sooner at the plate to drive in our base runners. We will learn and get ready to play again tomorrow.” 

Sophomore pitcher Hannah Bolly had a noteworthy start despite earning the loss in today’s game. She let up 2 hits, 1 earned run, 2 walks and had 1 strikeout in three innings of work. Freshman pitcher/second baseman Taylor Mackin had an efficient relief appearance. In three innings, Mackin only gave up 1 hit and 1 walk while striking two batters out. 

The pair combined for 3 hits, 1 earned run, 3 walks and 3 strikeouts, keeping the Huskies in contention.

The Huskies had a huge scoring opportunity in the second inning when an error by Sam Houston redshirt sophomore infielder Morgan Holliday put runners on the corners of the bases. NIU was unable to capitalize despite the opportunity.  

Redshirt sophomore pitcher Kendall Daniel kept the Bearkats in the game with a complete-game shutout. In seven innings pitched, Daniel gave up only 4 hits with no walks while totaling 2 strikeouts. 

A leadoff double by Holliday in the third, followed by a single by freshman outfielder Karrlauhn Deas put the Bearkats in scoring position with runners at the corners. Senior outfielder Samantha Graeter seized the opportunity with a sacrifice flyout to center field, bringing the lead to 1-0. The lead held as the final score, as Graeter had the only RBI in the game. 

UP NEXT 

The Huskies conclude their play at the Ragin’ Cajuns Tournament at 9 a.m. Sunday, taking on the University of Mississippi in Lafayette, Louisiana. Live stats will be updated on StatBroadcast.