NIU softball pitcher Kathy Dearborn finally got the run support she needed, and NIU scored the necessary runs to snap its 14-game losing streak.

Dearborn, who is now 5-15 on the season, threw two complete games in wins over Ball State.

In Game 1, she had her second shutout of the season as NIU won 7-0. That was followed up with a 3-2 complete-game win. She now has a team-high 11 complete games.

“She pitched her heart out today and put us in position to win the second game as well,” NIU coach Donna Martin said. “We were kind of hoping for that eighth run [for slaughter rule] because I knew that I would be throwing her in the second game.”

Dearborn gave up one earned run in 14 innings. She also struck out six and walked one.

The seven runs scored in the first game were the Huskies’ highest output since scoring 13 runs Feb. 21 against Louisiana-Monroe.

“Obviously it puts a lot less pressure on the defense when you score more runs,” Dearborn said. “It’s nice to have a cushion and that great defense behind you.”