Softball rides late-game surge to salvage split with Western Michigan

By Logan Whittington, Sports Reporter

April 30, 2025

NIU softball senior first baseman Madison Mathews (21) doubles back after rounding third base during the first inning of Game 2 against Western Michigan University on Tuesday. The Huskies split the doubleheader, dropping a 4-3 first game before a 9-7 victory in Game 2. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU softball (19-27, 13-12 MAC) split Tuesday’s doubleheader against the Western Michigan University Broncos (14-35, 8-16 MAC), losing 3-4 in Game 1 and winning Game 2 by a score of 9-7.

GAME 1

In the top of the first inning, Western Michigan junior catcher Jordan Smith doubled to center field, scoring two to put the Broncos up 2-0.

NIU junior pitcher/utility player Danielle Stewart retaliated by singling in the bottom of the first, bringing home senior middle infielder/outfielder Jenna Turner, cutting the Broncos’ lead in half.

The Broncos extended their lead in the third inning with a two-run homer from Smith, making the score 4-1.

NIU senior first/third baseman Madison Mathews reached first base on an error in the third, bringing home two runs to make the score 4-3. Despite coming within one, the Huskies’ comeback fell short.

Junior pitcher Lily Cassell started Game 1 for the Huskies. In four innings, she gave up 6 hits, 4 earned runs and 2 walks. She struck out 4 batters and earned the loss for NIU.

Freshman pitcher/second baseman Taylor Mackin relieved Cassell, giving up 3 hits and 2 walks in three innings of work.

GAME 2

In the first inning, Mathews doubled to score Turner. Sophomore catcher/first baseman Kayla Estrada brought home another runner on a sacrifice fly out to center field. Senior middle infielder/outfielder Avery Carnahan singled to right center to round out the inning with a 3-0 lead for the Huskies.

The Broncos responded in the third inning when senior outfielder Payton Kelly homered to right field. Sophomore pitcher/infielder Analeez Niles hit a three-RBI bases-clearing single in the fourth inning to take the lead over NIU.

Estrada tied the game in the fifth inning with a single down the right field line. Freshman infielder Natalie Miller tripled to left center field, scoring two runners. Freshman utility player Mia Morera hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring junior catcher/outfielder Rylie Hartman and taking back a 7-4 lead.

The Huskies extended their lead in the sixth inning when freshman outfielder Lia Nance singled to left field, scoring an unearned run. Carnahan reached first base on an error from Western Michigan’s third baseman, scoring another unearned run for a 9-4 lead.

The Broncos would attempt a comeback in the seventh inning with a two-run homer from Kelly, her second of the game. Junior infielder Riley Chumbley brought Western Michigan within striking distance, hitting an RBI single down the left field line. The Huskies were able to hold onto their lead to close out a 9-7 game.

Stewart started Game 2 for the Huskies. In a complete game, she gave up 7 hits, 7 earned runs and 6 walks. She struck out 3 and earned her fifth win of the season.

UP NEXT

The Huskies take on the University of Toledo Rockets in their final series of the season at noon Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and will have stats updated on StatBroadcast.