Times have been brighter for the NIU softball team.

After a 10-9 start, the Huskies (0-4 MAC, 10-14 Overall) have lost five-straight decisions, including both the MAC opener and home opener.

But there’s no time like the present for NIU to reverse its luck.

“We’re keeping our head up,” sophomore pitcher Taryn Hagemann said. “We played a good game against Northwestern, and I think we’ll take that into this weekend.”

NIU will begin a four-game home stand against birds it can prey on, as it will face Ball State (2-2, 8-12) in a Friday doubleheader, and Miami-Ohio (1-4, 9-13) Saturday and Sunday.

The Cardinals have lost their last nine games against the Huskies. The last time they hung up a “W” against NIU came in 2002.

“We just need to keep doing what we’ve been doing on Tuesday [for success],” coach Donna Martin said. “We were aggressive at the plate, on defense and pitched well.”

But Ball State will carry a double-edged sword in sophomore Amanda Pick as it enters Mary M. Bell Field Friday afternoon.

Pick, a switch hitter, is batting .362 for the season, with nine RBIs. Impressive as Pick’s offensive production may be, it is a mere shadow of her performance off the mound.

As a pitcher, the Cincinnati native is 4-3 for the season with a 1.79 ERA, 31 strikeouts and six complete games — one shut out.

“When she’s up we need to take care of the people around her,” Martin said. “We just need to limit her affect.”

After a day of rest the Huskies will suit up again to face the second challenge of the weekend, Miami-Ohio.

The RedHawks have struggled, going 1-4 in the past five games.

They have been unable to produce a single run in those four losses. The last time Miami had a runner cross home plate was March 31.

NIU hasn’t shared those offensive woes thanks to players like senior Kelly Drozd who has a three-game hitting streak including three RBIs and three runs.

“I’ve never really been a power hitter, I’m just seeing my pitch and being selective,” the Lockport native said. “Being a senior you have to step up eventually.”