Huskies overcome Phoenix, fall to Billikens in doubleheader

By Logan Whittington, Sports Reporter

February 24, 2025

NIU head softball coach Kathryn Gleason directs NIU senior outfielder Jenna Turner while at third base during an exhibition game in the fall. The Huskies split a doubleheader on Sunday, winning a 3-0 game against the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and falling to Saint Louis University by a score of 6-0. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)

NIU softball split Sunday’s doubleheader in St. Charles, Missouri, improving to 4-7 on the season. The Huskies won a 2-0 game against the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix (4-4) in Game 1 before losing a 6-0 shutout against the Saint Louis University Billikens (4-6) in Game 2.

Game 1

The Huskies started the scoring in the second inning thanks to an RBI double from junior outfielder/catcher Rylie Hartman, bringing home senior infielder Madison Mathews. Mathews brought another RBI on a sacrifice lineout in the third, scoring junior outfielder Ally Rodriguez.

Sophomore pitcher Hannah Bolly held Green Bay scoreless in her start. She pitched a complete 7 innings, striking out six. She allowed 6 hits and 1 walk in her second win of the season.

Green Bay graduate student pitcher Genesis Eggart struck out six Huskies in 6 innings pitched, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and 2 earned runs. She earned the loss in NIU’s victory.

The Huskies’ early runs were enough to defeat the Phoenix for their fourth win of the season.

Game 2

NIU fell behind early in their game against the Billikens and were unable to come back for a win.

Saint Louis was able to get on the board in the first inning with an RBI double from junior catcher/utility player Abby Mallo, bringing senior infielder Jane Kaniecki home.

In the fourth inning, the Billikens extended their lead to two with an RBI single from senior infielder Kendall Johnson.

A pair of solo home runs in the fifth inning from Mallo and redshirt freshman pitcher/outfielder Anna Christ brought the lead to four for the Billikens.

RBI singles from sophomore infielder Abby Ulsas and Kanicki sealed the 6-0 win for Saint Louis.

Junior pitcher/utility player Danielle Stewart started on the mound for the Huskies and pitched for 4.2 innings, earning the loss. Freshman pitcher/infielder Taylor Mackin, came in out of the bullpen for the Huskies, pitching for 1.1 innings.

Both pitchers combined for 6 strikeouts, 4 walks and 6 earned runs.

Billikens senior pitcher/infielder Taylor Hochman threw a no-hitter through five innings, recording 5 strikeouts while allowing 2 walks for the win.

UP NEXT

The Huskies return to action in the first game of a doubleheader against Lindenwood University at 2 p.m. Monday in St. Charles, Missouri. Game 2 will be played at 4 p.m. Live stats will be available on SideArm Stats.