DeKalb — The softball team’s losing streak extended to six games as the Huskies lost two contests Friday against the University of Toledo Rockets in Toledo, Ohio.

“Overall, we are playing well, we are just not getting a break,” said Head Coach Christina Sutcliffe. “I am still optimistic about what this team can do and where we are going. We just have to put it together for an entire game.”

Friday game one — Rockets 3, Huskies 0

Toledo defeated NIU 3-0 in the first game of the double-header. The loss marked the Huskies’ third shutout defeat in five contests.

Junior pitcher Alex Frenz struck out two batters and didn’t allow a walk or run in her 4.1 innings pitched.

The Rockets scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning off an RBI single. Toledo increased its lead to 2-0 off an RBI hit by pitch with two outs and bases loaded.

The Rockets scored the final run of the game off an RBI walk and increased the Huskie’s deficit to three runs. All three of Toledo’s runs were unearned.

“We need to figure out how to get off the field sooner,” Sutcliffe said, according to NIU Media Services. “Our walks and errors hurt us today unfortunately.”

Friday game two — Rockets 5, Huskies 3

The Huskies had a more successful offensive showing in their 5-3 loss to the Rockets.

Sophomore designated player Kayla Scaperrotta and senior infielder Alaynie Woollard scored the first two runs of the game in the top of the second inning off an two RBI double by freshman catcher Kira Mickelson

Toledo tied the game 2-2 with a pair of runs scored in the bottom of the fourth. NIU regained its lead in the top of the fifth inning when junior outfielder Jenny Van Geertry scored off an RBI double by junior infielder Dominique Greeno.

The Rockets scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to gain a 5-3 lead and take home the eventual victory.

The Huskies did not record a hit and left two runners on base in their last two innings of hitting.

“I think it is just our mentality when the pressure is on,” Sutcliffe said. “When the inning gets tight or we get down by a run, we get a little tighter in the box. It’s figuring out how to play under the pressure and coming through in the clutch.”

NIU will return to action for a three-game series against the Eastern Michigan University Eagles 2 p.m. Friday in Ypsilanti, Michigan.