On a cold, rainy day, NIU women’s soccer (1-5-2) gave the crowd something to cheer for as they blanked Loyola (3-5-1) 2-0.

The Huskies also made good on a day honoring the seniors on their roster, in which all four seniors played a hand in securing the win.

“It feels great, since I’ve been here we haven’t pulled off a win against Loyola.” said senior forward/midfielder Kelsey Passaglia. “It’s good to get out of this losing rut. [The victory] is for the whole team, not just for the seniors.”

NIU outshot Loyola 15-8 and put seven of the 15 on goal. Loyola only managed two shots on goal.

The Huskies posted their second straight shutout, although this game is credited as a team shutout due to goalies Meaghan Bennett and Amy Carr splitting duty between the posts.

Bennett made her first career start in net, and held Loyola scoreless in her half.

NIU and Loyola played to a draw through the first half, although NIU posted eight first half shots, with two great chances in the 30th minute of the game.

The Huskies finally made good on all the shots, breaking through in the second half with two goals, both scored by sophomore forward/midfielder Frances Boukidis.

Boukidis came off the bench for this game after having missed time in the last few games.

Boukidis tallied her first in the 53rd minute, assisted by Passaglia, and notched her second in the 73rd minute, again assisted by Passaglia.

“I’m just happy because it was senior day and I was able to be a part of making it that much better for them,” Boukidis said. “I never really think about it like that [being a sub]. When [NIU head women’s coach] Carrie [Barker] puts me in, I’m going to try 110 percent.”

This game also marked the return of senior midfielder/forward Becca Ford, who had also missed time the last few games.

Ford contributed with two shots and one on goal, as well as tough defensive play.

“Our leadership from our seniors was spectacular,” Barker said. “Becca is a very good player and having her on the field is a huge difference.”

The Huskies will next head into MAC play for the rest of the season.

“It’s extremely important to end your non-conference games on a high,” Barker said. “It was a special day because of our senior day. Everyone shows up knowing this is their last non-conference game. There was a little bit more excitement in the air.”