NIU softball played in their last game of the Ragin’ Cajuns Tournament Sunday morning against the University of Mississippi Rebels (now 8-3). NIU (3-6) couldn’t create offensive opportunities, and Ole Miss senior pitcher Brianna Lopez (4-0) stayed undefeated this season after striking out six batters. The Rebels produced consistent offense, beating out the Huskies 6-0.
“(Lopez’s) go-to was a changeup, and we knew that,” NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason said. “She did a good job of mixing it in and not being predictable. When she threw the hard stuff, we needed to be ready for that. I’m not sure we were completely ready for the hard stuff when we needed to hit it. We just need to have a plan and stick to the plan, and we’re going to be OK. The score’s not indicative of the way we played.”
The Huskies introduced seven pinch-hitters in their outing against the Rebels but still struggled to get through offensively. Gleason hoped showcasing the team’s depth would create offensive wiggle room.
“We’re lucky to have 24 solid, very capable players,” she said. “We have a lot of depth on this team. Sometimes you’ve got to get them in, and see what they can do and produce. We see people in practice, and you’ve got to see them at the game. I thought we had some great at-bats. Just giving people a chance, and seeing what they can do in a big moment can give us a spark.”
Senior pitcher Madison Carlson pitched through 2.2 innings, permitting two hits and two runs. Carlson threw one strikeout and one wild pitch. She explained her mindset as the relieving pitcher.
“This year, I mainly just came into games,” Carlson said. “It’s something I’ve gotten used to in my college career. I’ve either started or closed. It’s difficult either way. Closing coming into a game in a pressure situation is just something you got to get used to and learn how to handle.”
Junior pitcher and utility player Danielle Stewart (1-2) took today’s loss in the circle, allowing seven hits and four runs. She threw two strikeouts and one wild pitch in 3.1 innings. At the plate, she smacked one hit out to right field in three appearances.
Senior first/third baseman Madison Mathews went 1/3 at the plate, knocking a base hit into left field in the sixth inning. Senior middle infielder/outfielder Avery Carnahan recorded NIU’s third and final hit of the game in her only at-bat, singling out to right field.
UP NEXT
The Huskies now compete in the SIU Tournament against the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers at 11 a.m. Saturday in Carbondale, Illinois.
