NIU softball traveled to Ball State University on Tuesday afternoon to compete in its sixth doubleheader of the season.
Both teams kept quiet on offense until the seventh inning of Game 1, when the Huskies broke through to score two runs. The Cardinals tried to respond, scoring a home run in the seventh inning, but their efforts weren’t enough to force an eighth inning. NIU held on to win 2-1 over Ball State.
The Cardinals scored a run in the first inning of Game 2 to make it interesting early, but the Huskies’ momentum carried over. NIU scored three runs during the third and fourth innings to build a lead, and the defense helped protect it. Winning their third straight game, the Huskies (10-20, 5-6 MAC) won 3-2 to sweep the Cardinals (21-10, 6-4 MAC).
“They just had a calmness about them,” said NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason. “Midweek (games) are tough. Having a day off yesterday I didn’t really know how they were going to react, but Dee Dee (Stewart) really set the tone on the mound. They stuck with the plan. I wasn’t happy that we left so many people on base in both games, but they stayed determined. They stuck with the plan and made some great defensive plays.”
Sophomore catcher/first baseman Kayla Estrada produced offensively for NIU in both wins. She picked up 1 hit and 1 RBI in Game 1, then exploded in Game 2. Estrada shot one out of the park to left field to score her first home run of the season in the fourth inning. Along with her run, Estrada picked up 2 RBIs. She said she was telling herself to keep it simple and do what she needed to do to score.
“Coach tells us everyday ‘be ready for your moment,’” Estrada said. “Today was my moment. Going up there, I knew I needed to get the job done. I went up there, got my pitch and drove it. The rest is one I’ll remember for sure.”
Sophomore middle infielder/outfielder Alana Powell went 1/2 in Game 1, struck out and walked once. She scored 1 run in the seventh inning. In Game 2, Powell notched another hit and run, reaching home on Estrada’s homer in the fourth inning. She said the team made adjustments in Game 1 to get on the board, and it carried into Game 2.
“I think we deserved this win,” Powell said. “We’ve been putting in the work. We’ve been working hard. It was good seeing things come together.”
Junior pitcher/utility Dee Dee Stewart (3-9) pitched through six innings in Game 1, picking up her third win of the season. She struck out seven and walked five batters, and gave up 3 hits and 1 run. Stewart didn’t record any stats at the plate in Game 1. She said the win was much needed, and she knew that her team would help her get it done.
“We’ve worked really hard on having a strong defense because it helps us win games,” Stewart said. “I trust that each and every one of them is going to help me out when I need it. I trusted to just (let Ball State) put the ball in play, but also trusted my defense.”
Junior pitcher Lily Cassell (3-7) took NIU’s second win of the night, pitching through Game 2. Cassell threw 3 strikeouts, hit one batter and allowed two home runs in her time in the circle.
UP NEXT
The Huskies head back home to celebrate the 125th NIU Athletics Anniversary against MAC opponent Bowling Green State University in a doubleheader. The first game starts at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mary M. Bell Field. Live stats will be provided by SIDEARM Sports.
