Despite having played 21 games this season, the NIU women’s softball team plays its first home game today when it takes on Iowa at 4 p.m. at Mary M. Bell Field.

The Huskies (10-11) will also get a second crack at the Hawkeyes (22-13), who beat NIU in its last game 2-0 on Sunday.

“We’re really looking forward for another chance to face the Hawkeyes,” head coach Donna Martin said. “I think we played pretty well against them in the game on Sunday, except for the category that counts.”

NIU had only four hits in that game, three of which came off the bat of Kelly Park – who was a perfect 3-3 on the day.

The Huskies not only have to find an answer for Iowa’s pitching, which allows just over two runs a game, but also its hitting, which boasts six batters hitting over .300.

Keeping Iowa’s Emily Nichols off the bases will be key for the Huskies. The junior infielder is hitting .424 and leads the team in most offensive categories, including eight home runs, 29 RBIs and 27 runs.

One of the Huskies’ most consistent hitters this season has been Randi Kreiter, hitting .303 with 13 RBIs and two home runs.