Rivalries—every sporting event from the professional level through the high schools has its classic rivalries.

NIU’s softball team will host one of its most prominent rivals today in a 3 p.m. doubleheader against Illinois State.

“What makes it more of a rivalry is that they are close games. Someone always seems to come up with the big plays to win the game. It’s fun to play a good team that is challenging, because if you don’t play well, they’ll get you. We have to play well,” said NIU coach Dee Abrahamson.

ISU (19-19) leads the series, which dates back to 1959, 42-29. However, the Huskies (11-16-2) have won six of the last seven contests between the two contenders. NIU’s latest victory against the Redbirds was earlier this season when the Huskies notched a 4-2 victory at the Creighton University-Bud Lite Softball Tournament.

Abrahamson said the two teams are similar in pitching and catching duties, but ISU is more of a defensive team than NIU. Pitchers on both teams are young and some have minimal experience.

“They (ISU) are young, but they are probably more experienced than our staff,” said NIU assistant coach Donna Martin.

The Huskies have not played since since April 10, but Abrahamson doesn’t think that should hurt NIU.

“They should be anxious to play, and I think they’re excited to play,” said Abrahamson.

The game, which will include a raffle of Cubs tickets and other prizes, plus a home-run hitting contest, is expected to draw a larger-than-usual amount of spectators.

“I think the fans have a big effect on the players. A big crowd helps a lot. When we make a big hit or play and people are there to appreciate it, it’s that much better,” said Abrahamson.