Softball takes a break from its hot start in conference play to host the Loyola Ramblers in a midweek matinee.

First pitch between the Huskies (18-14) and Ramblers (11-21) is set for 3 p.m. Wednesday at Mary M. Bell Field with the second game of the doubleheader to follow.

The Huskies enter the non-conference matchup after jumping out to a 5-1 start in conference play. They boast a 5-2 home record overall. The Ramblers enter having dropped eight of their last nine games.

Junior Emily Naegele has been a key in the Huskies’ offense since conference play began. In six MAC matchups her slash line stands at .529/.636.882 and she leads NIU in RBIs with 14.

The Ramblers have had the Huskies’ number as of late, winning the last four meetings. They swept NIU in a doubleheader last season in Chicago.

Loyola’s offense is led by freshman Brooke Wyderski, who has a team-high 29 hits and has added five home runs and 21 RBIs.