NIU (3-5, 9-21 MAC) vs. Bowling Green (9-19, 7-2 MAC)

Noon at Bowling Green (Doubleheader)

Last game

NIU

The Huskies lost to DePaul 9-1 in five innings Wednesday. The game only went five, as the mercy rule was in effect.

Third baseman Krista McPherson recorded the only two hits for NIU in the loss. The senior also produced the only RBI in Wednesday’s contest.

Bowling Green

The Falcons swept Detroit University on Wednesday. Bowling Green won the first game 5-0 and the second game 9-1 in five innings.

Hayley Wiemer improved to 7-4 in the 5-0 win. The pitcher lasted all seven innings and struck out six while giving up two hits.

Key player

NIU

In order for the Huskies to be effective, they will need to have a bounce-back game from shortstop Michelle Nendza.

The Huskies’ leading hitter is only 2-for-12 in her last four games. Defensively, the senior shortstop had a three-error performance Wednesday against DePaul.

Bowling Green

If the Huskies plan on winning, they will need to be careful with first baseman Allison Vallas.

Vallas leads the Falcons with a .358 batting average, while also leading the club in RBIs with 22.

Vital stat

NIU

Bowling Green has lit up the scoreboard recently. The Huskies cannot afford to give free baserunners on errors. Over their last five games, they have committed 12 errors.

“We have to be focused in all seven innings,” McPherson said. “We really need to field every ball.”

Bowling Green

Bowling Green has won the first five games of a 10-game home stand.

During that stretch, the Falcons have scored 33 runs.

NIU will also face Toledo at 1 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday.