Softball’s five-game winning streak ended over the weekend after it lost three games against the University of Toledo (18-31), bringing NIU to 12-8 in conference play for the year.

The teams first played Friday, battling in what turned out to be a low-scoring game. The Huskies struck first after an early double from junior first baseman Kayti Grable, putting the team ahead 1-0 after the first.

The Rockets tied the game in the sixth inning, and it remained tied for the duration of regulation. Toledo won in the bottom of the eighth thanks to a walk-off double from freshman infielder Megan Choate.

Game two of the series also went into extra innings after NIU blew an early 5-1 lead. The contest was tied at six until the Rockets hit yet another walk-off in the bottom of the 10th after an RBI single from senior outfielder Lemieux, helping Toledo take a 2-0 series lead.

The Huskies had their best showing in the final game of the weekend Sunday, scoring seven runs. They were led by senior catcher Emily Naegele, who went 3-3 with three RBIs and a home run.

Errors and poor pitching came back to haunt NIU despite its solid offensive performance, resulting in the team losing 8-7.

“We just didn’t play good enough defense this weekend,” said NIU head coach Christina Sutcliffe, according to an NIU Athletics news release. “All three games were lost on plays we can make. Our pitchers hung in there. It was nice to see our offense come alive in the last game.”

The Huskies will have a short break from conference play as they take on Valparaiso University in a midweek doubleheader. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday in Valparaiso, Ind.