NIU softball concluded its three-game series against the Miami University RedHawks on Saturday in a doubleheader.
The Huskies (7-17, 2-4 MAC) dropped both games despite nearly rallying a comeback in Game 1 and taking Miami to extra innings in Game 2. With the win, the RedHawks (14-15, 6-0 MAC) remain undefeated in the Mid-American Conference.
“I told them (the team) after the game that I would take them any day over any other team, because they fight, and they never give up,” said NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason. “Miami is a tough team. I mean, not only do they have the history of just winning MAC championships … they can hit, you know, and they have good pitching.”
GAME ONE
Despite an attempt at a late-game rally, the Huskies fell to the RedHawks by a score of 7-6 in Game 1. Miami’s win was powered by an effective third inning, overwhelming the Huskies with 4 runs.
While four Huskies logged an RBI, sophomore catcher and third baseman Alanah Velazquez led the pack with two.
“What it takes is working when no one else is working,” Velazquez said. “We’re always working, we’re always trying to improve what we need to improve. And it really showed out today, not only for me, but also for my teammates.”
Despite not getting the win, Velazquez logged a game-changing two-run RBI late in the seventh inning to give NIU momentum.
Junior pitcher Lily Cassell got the start for NIU, pitching three innings before being relieved by freshman pitcher Taylor Mackin, who finished the contest. Cassell left the game giving up 8 hits, resulting in 6 runs.
As for Miami, junior pitcher Léa Chevrier pitched a complete game. Chevrier recorded 7 strikeouts and gave up 6 runs on 13 hits.
The RedHawks drew first blood, earning a 2-0 advantage in the second inning after Miami junior utility player Madie Patton homered, granting freshman infielder Holly Merritt access to home plate.
NIU evened the score promptly, recording a pair of RBIs in the top of the third inning. Senior third and first baseman Madison Mathews claimed the first while junior utility player Danielle Stewart logged the second to tie the game.
The momentum gained by the Huskies was short-lived, as the RedHawks routed the Huskies with 4 runs in the third inning.
Heading into the seventh inning facing a four-point deficit, the Huskies nearly came back with 3 runs in the seventh inning.
Despite bringing the game to a score of 7-6 late in the seventh inning, NIU’s chances of a win were dismissed as senior mid infielder and outfielder Jenna Turner was struck out looking with one out remaining.
GAME TWO
Although NIU kept it within one-point throughout, Miami got the better half of the Huskies in the second game, winning 3-2 in eight innings.
Stewart started at pitcher for NIU, giving up 2 runs in 2 innings pitched. Senior pitcher Madison Carlson replaced Stewart in the third inning.
On her birthday, Carlson finished the game giving up 7 hits and 1 run while striking two batters out.
“Maddie Carlson came in, you know, to relieve DeeDee (Danielle Stewart) and did a great job,” Gleason said. “On her birthday, (Carlson) came in and really did a great job of shutting down the great hitters.”
As for Miami, sophomore pitcher Madilyn Reeves got the start. Reeves pitched a complete game, giving up 9 hits, 2 runs while striking four batters out.
RedHawk senior outfielder Jenna Golembiewski initiated the scoring, rocketing a homerun to center field in the first inning. The RedHawks extended their lead to 2-0 in the second inning, as Patton logged an RBI.
The game remained dormant until the fourth inning, in which NIU senior middle infielder and outfielder Avery Carnahan singled through the left side, giving way for Mathews to reach home.
Stewart then picked up her second RBI of the day in the top of the seventh inning while evening the score at 2.
Although the Huskies failed to take the lead, NIU stood firm on the infield, leading to an extra inning of play.
After muting NIU’s batting attack in the top of the eighth inning, Merritt crushed the Huskies’ hopes. Merritt singled to right field, giving the RedHawks their sixth consecutive MAC win and sealing the 3-2 victory.
UP NEXT
As Saturday’s doubleheader concluded a three-game series for the Huskies, NIU takes a break from competing against conference opponents to take on the Northwestern University Wildcats.
The Huskies will head to Evanston, Illinois, at 4 p.m. Wednesday to face off against the Wildcats ahead of resuming its conference slate this weekend. Streaming will be available on B1G+, with live stats available through StatBroadcast.
