NIU softball got off to a good start in MAC play, going 3-1 over the weekend.

The Huskies split two games with Eastern Michigan on Friday before sweeping Central Michigan in a doubleheader on Saturday.

The Huskies (13-15 overall, 3-1 MAC) won their MAC opener against Eastern Michigan by a score of 8-6.

The key for the Huskies in the first game was their strong start, as they took control in the first inning going up 3-0. They would hold the lead the rest of the game.

NIU’s top performers in the first game were senior Andrea Colosimo and sophomore Adriana Sanchez. They both had two hits and Colosimo had three RBIs, while Sanchez had two of her own.

Eastern Michigan also contributed to the NIU victory with four costly errors.

The second game was a different story, however, as the Huskies fell, 10-1.

But the focus was on freshman Stephanie Tofft. In her final at-bat of the game, Tofft singled to right field extending her hitting streak to 16 games, setting a new NIU record for most consecutive games with a hit.

It’s a performance that has impressed head coach Lindsay Chouinard.

“She has been doing a great job for us,” Chouinard said. “She has been consistent for us all year, and she propels our offense. For her to do this as a freshman is incredible. She is a very talented hitter.”

The previous record had been 15, recorded in 1987 by Jill Justin, and was later tied in 1997 by Julie Stopka.

On Saturday, the Huskies won their opening game 2-1, behind a brilliant pitching performance from junior Morgan Bittner.

Bittner, who picked up her second win of the weekend, gave up one run on seven hits, and had five strike-outs.

NIU struck first in the first game against Central Michigan with an RBI single from freshman Nicole Gremillion in the bottom of the third inning. In the bottom of the fourth inning, junior Carly Norton added another run with an RBI double to left-center.

In the second game, the Huskies showed off their offense, beating the Chippewas 8-0 in five innings.

Gremillion pitched the second game and picked up the win, as well as her first collegiate shut-out. She allowed five hits and struck out two in the game.