NIU softball kicked off its three-game series at Miami University (OH) on Friday afternoon. The Huskies (7-15, 2-2 MAC) held onto the lead through five innings, but the Miami Redhawks (14-15, 4-0 MAC) homered twice in the sixth inning to take the lead. 

Despite the Huskies producing 10 hits throughout the game, NIU was too startled to respond in the seventh inning, falling to Miami 5-3. 

“I think after a long day yesterday with some travel and traffic hiccups, I think they came out with great energy,” NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason said. “They always do. We prepared all week, and continue to prepare for their pitchers and for their offense.”

Junior catcher/outfielder Rylie Hartman stood out on offense for the Huskies, recording 2 runs and 1 RBI. She went 2/2 at the plate and walked once. She said she’s been working toward production like today’s throughout the season. 

“I was really happy with how I did today,” Hartman said. “I’ve been waiting to have a bit of a breakthrough hitting. I’ve been doing fine this whole season, but today, stuff came together in this game.” 

Senior middle infielder/outfielder Jenna Turner went 3/4 at the plate. She scored 1 run in the third inning on freshman outfielder Lia Nance’s single, and recorded an RBI in the sixth on after her single to right field sent Hartman home. 

Turner noted how the team found ways to produce on offense against Redhawk sophomore pitcher Madilyn Reeves (9-6).

“I think we did a great job all week preparing for this game, and particularly their pitcher,” Turner said. “We did a lot of film on her, and I think as a team we did a great job of picking her sequences up and trying to see pitches that we can drive.”

Junior pitcher Danielle Stewart (2-7) started for NIU, and pitched through five innings. She permitted 4 hits and 5 runs, and threw 7 strikeouts, 1 walk and 1 wild pitch in the circle.

UP NEXT

The Huskies look to bounce back against the Redhawks in a doubleheader, with the first game starting at 11 a.m. Saturday in Oxford, Ohio.