A goal was placed on the NIU softball team this weekend — sweep the four-game home stand.

Kent State’s leading pitcher, Brittney Robinson, put an early end to this goal as the Huskies (18-20 overall, 6-8 MAC) lost in their first game 3-1.

Robinson gave up an early run to NIU in the first, but the pitcher wouldn’t give NIU another chance to score.

In seven innings of work, the MAC leader in strikeouts tallied 16 K’s and allowed only two hits.

The Huskies wouldn’t let one loss ruin their weekend as they went on to win their next three games.

The winning streak started with an 8-3 victory over KSU (22-20, 10-5). The Huskies’ bats were connecting from the start, as they scored five runs before KSU even registered two outs in the first inning.

“It was basically two different games and two different pitchers,” said coach Donna Martin. “We had some trouble figuring out Brittney, but I’m very proud of the way we bounced back.”

NIU continued their upward trend Saturday, as it beat Buffalo (11-35, 2-11) 4-1.

Junior Ellen Stoddard was vital to the success of the team’s offense. In the second inning, the Harper College transfer provided a two-run home run, her first of the season.

“I was going through a little slump,” Stoddard said. “I was just trying to stay confident at the plate.”

The Rolling Meadows native proved to be out of her slump, as she went 2-3 at the plate, with a run, RBI and stolen base in a 4-3 victory over Buffalo Sunday.

Pitcher Lindsey LaChiana won her third game of the weekend Sunday and improved her record to 9-6.

“My rise ball was working good on Friday, and then yesterday and today my screwball was working,” LaChiana said. “I’m kind of going with what’s working for the day.”

Over the combined weekend, the senior worked 16 innings and limited her competition to five runs.