The NIU softball team’s struggles continue.

The Huskies’ losing streak has stretched to five games, with four of the losses coming in MAC play.

Despite having its next four games at home, NIU coach Donna Martin admitted they might as well be road games.

“We really don’t play at home as much, so being at home isn’t really home-field advantage,” Martin said. “We have to get used to our field.”

The Huskies are currently last in the MAC standings.

Three strikes for LaChiana

NIU pitcher Lindsey LaChiana has not pitched well since coming back into the rotation.

The senior has lost three straight decisions and has given up 14 runs in four games.

LaChiana missed 11 games while attending to a family issue.

Before her extended time off, LaChiana was 3-1 with a 2.68 ERA. Since her return, that record has plummeted to 3-4 with a 3.37 ERA.

Swinging at nothing

One key to the softball team’s losing streak has been the lack of offense.

During their five-game losing streak, the Huskies have managed to produce just 16 hits.

Senior outfielder Kelly Drozd leads the team in hitting with a .292 average. That average places her 28th in the MAC.

Owning the MVC

The NIU baseball team is streaking at the right time. The Huskies have won seven of their last eight games.

NIU has especially taken advantage of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Six of the team’s last seven wins have come against schools from the MVC.

Hovering around 20

Two weeks ago the Huskies scored 24 runs in two games. The NIU baseball team almost duplicated the feat this week.

NIU scored 19 runs in two games against Illinois State and Akron. On Sunday the Huskies put up eight runs in a win over the Zips and then followed it up with 11 runs against ISU.

MAC statistics look good

This year’s baseball team loves to hit the ball.

The Huskies are third in the MAC in batting average with .293.

NIU also has two of its players among the top five in hitting average.

First baseman Scott Simon is second in the MAC with a .390 average. The junior also has 37 hits, 24 RBIs and 17 runs, while freshman outfielder Pat Minogue is third in the conference with a .385 average. He also has knocked in 14 RBIs on 35 hits and 15 runs scored.