Bad innings have defined the NIU softball team all season long.

Tuesday’s game against the Illinois State University Redbirds was no different.

The Huskies seemed to have it together before falling apart in the third inning, giving up three earned runs en route to a 5-4 NIU loss.

ISU hit for the cycle in the third inning, bringing in three runs on four hits. Redbird Jessie Buker knocked one out of the park to build much needed momentum for her team.

In the fifth, Buker blasted another shot beyond the wall to push ISU’s lead to 5-0. Buker ended the game with two home-runs and three RBIs.

NIU attempted a comeback early in the sixth inning after starting out on an ISU error. The Huskies mustered three runs on four hits to bring the deficit to two.

The Huskies knocked at the door again early in the seventh, loading the bases after two walks and a single by McPherson.

NIU drew a walk to bring the deficit to one, but with the bases loaded, couldn’t bring in the tying or go-ahead run.

Though the Huskies tallied two more hits than the Redbirds, they were charged with two crucial errors. Due to shortstop Michelle Nendza’s absence, most of the team was not playing in their normal positions.

NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard was unavailable for comment.