NIU softball (8-20, 3-6 MAC) pulled off a victory over Ohio University (22-9, 5-1 MAC) in Saturday’s game by a score of 9-1.
Ohio struck first in the first inning with a single from sophomore infielder Brenna Farmer, driving in Ohio’s only run of the game.
The Huskies’ offense exploded in the second inning. Sophomore catcher/utility player Tess Meyer singled to right-center, driving in two runners to take the lead. The inning continued with an RBI single from junior outfielder Ally Rodriguez, followed by a bases-clearing double from senior middle-infielder/outfielder Jenna Turner. Senior first/third-baseman Madison Mathews capped off the 6-run inning with an RBI single, extending the Huskies’ lead to 7-1.
Turner scored again on an RBI single to center in the third, making the score 8-1. The Huskies took advantage of Ohio’s defensive mistakes in the fifth inning as Mathews reached first base on an error, letting another run score.
Junior pitcher Lily Cassell started on the NIU mound and pitched a gem. She pitched a complete game, and in 5 innings of work only allowed 2 hits, 1 earned run, and a walk, and she had 2 strikeouts. She ended up getting the win in the game.
The NIU defense would keep the Bobcats off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game, sealing the 9-1 victory and making a statement against a tough Ohio team.
UP NEXT
The Huskies will now take on the Ball State University Cardinals in a doubleheader, with the first game starting at noon Tuesday in Muncie, Indiana.
