Facing a Big Ten opponent in a midweek matchup, NIU softball (23-25, 16-6 MAC) faced the University of Iowa (26-25, 6-15 Big 10) on Wednesday, falling to the Hawkeyes 10-2 in six innings.
After a scoreless first inning for both sides, the Hawkeyes broke through on an RBI single in the second, before adding six more in the bottom of the third.
Sophomore pitcher Taylor Mackin gave up the first of Iowa’s runs, going 1.2 innings while giving up four runs.
Senior pitcher Danielle “Dee Dee” Stewart relieved Mackin on the mound, pitching a third of an inning. Stewart walked three batters and gave up five earned runs.
The fourth and fifth innings were scoreless for both sides, before the Huskies broke through in the sixth.
With two outs in the inning, sophomore utility player Mia Morera reached first on a fielder’s choice, followed by a walk from junior outfielder Katy Ramage.
Sophomore catcher Rylie Hartman scored both runners on a double, recording the only RBIs on the day for the Huskies.
The Hawkeyes scored three runs in the sixth off senior pitcher Lily Cassell, ending the game via mercy rule.
Cassell pitched 3.2 innings for the Huskies, allowing four runs off five hits and four walks.
Hartman went 2-for-2 at the plate, while junior middle infielder Alana Powell went 2-for-3.
Morera and Ramage each added a hit, totaling six for the Huskies, who got out-hit 11-6 by the Hawkeyes.
UP NEXT
NIU returns home for its last series of the regular season at 3 p.m. Friday against Kent State University at Mary M. Bell Field. The game will be streamed on Youtube and live stats will be updated on SIDEARM Sports.
