NIU softball (17-24, 11-9 MAC) was blown out by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Fighting Illini (20-23, 4-11 B1G) in Wednesday’s game, falling by a score of 9-2.
“We came out on offense and scored first,” said NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason. “We had good energy to start the game; we just need to have a sense of urgency to play all seven innings.”
NIU junior pitcher/utility player Danielle Stewart drew first blood in the first inning with an RBI double into left center field, scoring freshman outfielder Lia Nance. Junior catcher/outfielder Rylie Hartman added on to NIU’s only lead of the day in the same inning, grounding out to second base to bring in Stewart.
Illinois clawed their way back into the game in the bottom of the first with an RBI single from sophomore infielder Eileen Donahue. Sophomore infielder Adisyn Caryl then doubled down the right field line to tie the game.
The Fighting Illini proceeded to snatch the lead with an RBI single up the middle from freshman first baseman Ella Cushing, taking a 3-2 lead.
Junior pitcher Lily Cassell made the start for the Huskies. In 2.1 innings of work, she gave up 5 hits, 5 earned runs and 2 walks, and she struck out two. She earned the loss in the matchup.
Sophomore pitcher Hannah Bolly relieved Cassell and in 3 innings, she gave up 7 hits and 4 earned runs. Freshman pitcher/second baseman Taylor Mackin relieved Bolly and pitched for 0.2 innings. She did not give up any hits or walks.
NIU’s pitchers combined for 12 hits, 9 earned runs, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.
UP NEXT
The Huskies will host the University of Akron Zips at 3 p.m. Friday at Mary M. Bell Field. The game will have stats updated on SIDEARM Sports.
