NIU softball traveled to Northwestern University on Wednesday afternoon. The Huskies (7-18, 2-4 MAC) scored two quick runs to start the game off with a bang, but the Wildcats (15-11, 4-0 B1G) responded relentlessly. 11 runs in the first two innings set Northwestern up for success, and NIU couldn’t bounce back on offense.
The Huskies took a defensive loss against a feisty Wildcats team, falling 11-2 in five innings.
“(Sophomore pitcher Hannah Bolly) came in and did a good job of getting us ground balls,” NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason said. “We just weren’t picking up the balls. Something that we talked about postgame was we’ve got to take pride in our defense. (We talked about) attacking the ball when our pitchers are giving us ground balls. We need to make those plays.”
Senior pitcher Madison Carlson (1-1) threw water on Northwestern’s flames after coming into the game. She allowed 4 hits,1 run and threw 3 strikeouts with one batter walked. Carlson noted how she was able to keep her composure in the circle.
“I’d say I’m a pretty calm person on the mound anyways,” Carlson said. “I take my time up there. I don’t let anything stress me out too much. I’m able to control my pitches more and keep the game at a slower pace.”
Senior third/first baseman Madison Mathews scored a run in the first inning, and picked up an RBI after sending senior middle infielder/outfielder Jenna Turner home. Mathews went 1/2 at the plate and struck out once.
UP NEXT
The Huskies return home to battle the Ohio University Bobcats in a doubleheader, with the first game starting at 2 p.m. Friday at Mary M. Bell Field.
