NIU softball (1-1) split its first doubleheader of the season on Friday in Austin, Texas. The Huskies won 7-5 against the Abilene Christian University Wildcats (0-10) and lost 7-2 against the Ohio State University Buckeyes (3-3).
“Overall it was a good first day,” NIU head coach Kathryn Gleason said via NIU Athletics. “We are figuring out who we are in all three aspects of the game. It was great to be out on the dirt and get the chance to play as a team.”
ABILENE CHRISTIAN
The Wildcats struck first, taking a 1-0 lead off a sacrifice fly in the top of the first.
NIU responded in the bottom of the first inning with a 2-RBI double up the middle by junior outfielder Katy Ramage to take the lead. Senior catcher/outfielder Rylie Hartman brought Ramage to the plate with an RBI double to left field to extend their lead.
Abilene Christian quickly took the lead back, taking advantage of a fielding error by the Huskies to go up 5-3.
The Huskies got a run back in the bottom of the third with an RBI walk with the bases loaded by senior catcher/utility player Cara Cruthers, who pinch hit for sophomore outfielder Lia Nance.
Hartman tied the game in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI single down the right field line.
NIU took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth inning with a home run off the bat of senior pitcher/utility player Danielle Stewart. The Huskies extended their lead with a sacrifice flyout to left field by sophomore utility player Mia Morera.
“Today went so well for the team’s first time back on the dirt,” Hartman said. “I am so proud of the fight we showed in both of our games. When I went up to the plate I knew I had a job to do for the team. I went up there with a plan and trusted in the work I have been doing at practice.”
NIUused two pitchers throughout the game. Graduate student Madison Carlson made the start for the Huskies and pitched for 3.1 innings, giving up 2 earned runs and 6 hits while striking out 2 batters. Junior pitcher Hannah Bolly earned the win in relief, pitching 3.2 scoreless innings and striking out one batter.
Ramage credited adjustments and extra work behind the scenes for her offensive production in the opener.
“It was good for me to see various different pitchers and get a feel for where my swing is at,” Ramage said. “I have been putting in a lot of extra hours to critique little parts of my swing as well as the mental side of hitting to better myself as a player.”
OHIO STATE
The Buckeyes struck first in the top of the second inning with a home run by junior catcher Emma Tolley, before NIU tied the game in the bottom of the second when Hartman came home on an error to first by Ohio State.
The Buckeyes extended their lead to three in the fourth and fifth innings, with RBI hits from junior infielder Sami Bewick and freshman infielder Sara Tarr.
The Huskies struck back with a run of their own with an infield single to third base from Morera, which scored Stewart.
From that point on, Ohio State controlled the game, including a 3-run seventh inning to seal the win.
NIU used three pitchers throughout the game. Senior pitcher Lily Cassell made the start and also earned the loss, pitching 4 innings while giving up 3 runs and striking out two. In relief, sophomore pitcher/second-baseman Taylor Mackin pitched 2 innings, giving up 2 earned runs and 3 hits. Freshman pitcher/third-baseman Elle Glass pitched 1 inning, giving up 2 earned runs and 4 hits.
“Softball is a game of failure and it’s up to you on how you learn from that to better yourself down the road,” Ramage said. “I see each at bat as an opportunity to compete and do my role for the better of the team.”
UP NEXT
The Huskies return to action at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Austin, Texas, against the No. 2-ranked University of Texas. Live stats will be updated on StatBroadcast.
