After capturing its third consecutive North Star Conference softball title over the weekend, NIU plans to use that team success in the year’s final two doubleheaders.

The 21-19-2 Huskies close the home schedule Wednesday hosting Big Ten Conference member Northwestern University in a 3 p.m. twinbill. A trip to DePaul University Friday completes the NIU season. NIU leads the series with both squads, 13-12 versus Northwestern and 16-6 against rival Depaul.

Northwestern split with the Huskies a year ago, but is struggling this spring (11-30). Walk-on outfielder Kim Metcalf is the leading Wildcat batter (.350) while Chinazo Opia follows at .320. Opia is tied with shortstop Missy Gyde for the NU RBI lead (15). Senior Amy Redmer not only leads the Wildcat pitching corps (1.59 ERA), but is batting a respectable .209.

Last season, NIU beat DePaul three times. This season NIU trails the Blue Demons 2-0. DePaul, 28-20, is led at the plate by All-NSC designated player Kelly Kavanaugh, a .398 hitter who ranks No. 2 in league batting stats.

Along with the North Star trophy, NIU picked up three all-conference player awards—Lisa Gilfoy at first base, pitcher Kristin Vandenhouten and outfielder Sue Alexander. The 1990 All-NSC award was Gilfoy’s third and first-ever selection for Vandenhouten and Alexander.

Gilfoy and catcher Julie Sexton maintain their leads in Huskie offensive statistics. Gilfoy’s .367 batting average, fifth-best in the league, has an additional team-best 12 doubles and 26 RBI in 42 games. Sexton has scored a season-best 26 runs while hitting .357 and stealing 15 bases on 18 attempts.