Despite being geared up for MAC play, NIU softball will have to wait at least one more day.

The Huskies (5-13) were set to begin their conference schedule against Eastern Michigan today. However, the doubleheader was canceled due to poor field conditions, according to NIU media services.

NIU will have to wait until Saturday to start MAC play, when it takes on Central Michigan. The Chippewas (8-10) will host the Huskies, starting with a game at 1 p.m. on Saturday and followed by a second game at noon on Sunday.

CMU played its home opener Wednesday, splitting a pair of games against Valparaiso. NIU faced Valparaiso the day prior, losing both contests against the Crusaders.

NIU has lost its last nine games and only managed two hits in two games against Iowa in its last outing.

However, getting on base hasn’t been a problem for at least one Chippewa.

CMU outfielder Christina Novak leads her team not only in batting average and hits, but also in triples and RBIs. The sophomore is hitting .396 with three doubles and 11 RBIs. Novak has also been perfect on the base path, stealing 9-of-9 bases this season.

The Chippewas have been successfulstealing bases this season. CMU has gone 38-for-43 in stolen bases. Almost half of those bases have been stolen by outfielder Tracy Kaatz. The junior is a perfect 16-for-16 this season.

So far this year, NIU is 26-for-26 as a team when trying to grab an extra base. CMU has held its opponents to 17-of-25 when attempting a stolen base.

NIU’s leading base stealer is outfielder Jenna Roberts, who has six stolen bases this season.