NIU softball kicked off its three-game series against Ohio University Friday afternoon, starting the weekend with a doubleheader. The Huskies weren’t seeing the ball well in the first game until the sixth inning, but tacking on three more runs didn’t take the Bobcats’ momentum. Finding a groove too late, NIU fell to Ohio 8-4 in Game 1.
NIU’s defense kept it closer in Game 2, but the offense couldn’t take advantage. The Bobcats scored 7 runs between the sixth and seventh innings to end the Huskies’ night. Ending the night defeated, NIU (7-20, 2-6 MAC) fell to Ohio (22-8, 5-0 MAC) 10-1 in Game 2.
“I’m just disappointed in our approach all day,” NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason said. “It’s hard to beat a team when you give up multiple runs, especially in the first inning; you get yourself down. We did have some great plays, but we’re not playing well right now. We need to hit, pitch and play defense. They’re a good ball club. They’re very solid on defense, they pitch well and they hit one through nine in the lineup.”
Senior first/third baseman Madison Mathews went 0/3 in Game 1, but fired up in Game 2 on both offense and defense. Mathews homered to left center in the second inning to record NIU’s solo run of Game 2. She also made a diving catch in the third inning to prevent the Bobcats from piling on more points.
“The biggest part of softball is learning how to come back through challenges,” Mathews said. “You’re doing pretty well if you’re failing seven out of 10 times. It’s really just about practicing that resilience. Softball is just a sport that you can take those skills on and off the field. It’s good for us to practice, and I think we can come back tomorrow and be better together.”
Junior outfielder Ally Rodriguez recorded 1 hit and 1 run, but struck out once in Game 1. Rodriguez didn’t record any batting stats in Game 2, but she was excited to have the opportunity to prove herself across both games.
“I just came to the box, and told my coach that I’m hype and ready to go,” Rodriguez said. “After not seeing a lot of games, not playing a lot of games this season so far, when coach gave me the opportunity, I knew I had a job to do. I said ‘OK, let’s do it.’”
Junior pitcher Lily Cassell pitched through 3.2 innings in Game 2. She threw 3 strikeouts, but gave up 6 hits, 5 runs and one walk. She said she’s looking to take the circle again tomorrow to shut down the Bobcats.
“When I came out, I knew I had to be dominant and shut them down to get my team the momentum back,” Cassell said. “I came out really strong. I kind of lost it a little bit. We have another game tomorrow, and I’m ready to come back.”
Over halfway through the season, Gleason expressed that the only way the Huskies will find ways to win is by simply playing the game. “It’s been a lot of games this week, but that’s where you learn,” Gleason said. “We can’t simulate these situations a lot of times in practice. We need to play and work it out. We’re going to regroup and be ready for tomorrow.
UP NEXT
The Huskies play their final game of their three-game series against Ohio University at noon Saturday at Mary M. Bell Field.
