Loyola (10-15, 5-3 Horizon), NIU (5-17, 0-4 MAC) at 3 p.m. at Loyola Softball Park

Last Time Out

NIU

Despite Michelle Nendza tying her career high in home runs (seven) this weekend, the Huskies dropped their 14th and 15th consecutive games. NIU lost a doubleheader to Western Michigan 8-0 in the first game and 5-3 in extra-innings in the second game on Saturday.

Loyola

Loyola lost two of three games against Valparaiso University last weekend. However, Ramblers pitcher Amy Solava was able to secure the final game against the Crusaders 1-0 on Sunday.

Key Player

NIU

Shortstop Michelle Nendza is the only Huskie hitting consistently. The senior is hitting .356, 91 points higher than the next leading batter for NIU. “My biggest thing at the plate is my mental game,” Nendza said. “I have to make sure my head is clear of everything.” Nendza has driven in 16 runs, 12 more than anyone else on the Huskie roster.

Loyola

Left fielder Ellen Kresl is the spark plug at the top of the lineup for the Ramblers. The sophomore is hitting .403 and has scored 14 runs while stealing 11 bases for Loyola.

Vital Stat

NIU

The Huskies have scored 18 runs during their 15-game losing streak. During this stretch Nendza is leading the team with a .282 batting average. NIU will need more players to contribute though, as the rest of the team is batting .161 during the losing streak.

Loyola

Youth is the key in the Ramblers offense as two sophomores lead the team in RBIs and batting average. Third baseman Angie Funston is a top with 19 RBIs, while left fielder Kresl leads the team with a .403 batting average.