This weekend, NIU’s softball team continues their MAC play at Mary M. Bell Field against Ohio and Akron.

The Huskies (16-18 overall, 6-2 MAC) play a doubleheader against Ohio today at 1 p.m., and then one game against Akron on both Saturday and Sunday.

NIU has been strong in the MAC so far, and they look to continue that trend this weekend. But in order for them to continue this trend, they must continue their strong offensive play.

“Our offense has done a great job in MAC play,” said softball head coach Lindsay Chouinard. “We have been getting big hits as well as timely hitting. That is a big reason for our success in the MAC so far this year.”

In the Huskies’ eight MAC games this year, they have scored a total of 62 runs, including a 19-run outing, while recording 83 hits.

Sophomore Adriana Sanchez has been hot during MAC play. Sanchez has 11 hits, four of them being home runs, while accounting for 15 RBIs and scoring seven runs.

Junior Carly Norton has also contributed during MAC play, recording 11 hits while driving in 11 runs.

Freshman Stephanie Tofft has remained hot throughout conference play, as she has extended her school record hitting streak to 24 games. In their eight MAC games, Tofft has 12 hits and has scored nine runs.

Junior Morgan Bittner has been the Huskies’ top pitcher thus far in conference play. Bittner has posted a record of 3-1, as well as recording one save.