Every time Northwestern’s top hitter Erin Mobley gets water during a softball game, she makes sure to put the cup in the same spot under the water cooler.

The junior from California also always throws and stretches with the same person before every game and puts her uniform on in the same order.

“A lot of the things I do before a game have no meaning; I just do it to get comfortable and relaxed,” Mobley said.

Mobley will bring her superstitions with her when Northwestern (15-11 overall) visits DeKalb for a 4 p.m. game today against NIU (10-22) at Mary Bell Field.

This will be NIU coach Donna Martin’s first time seeing Mobley. Last season’s meeting with the Wildcats was canceled because of snow.

Mobley leads the Wildcats with a .375 batting average, 16 runs, 30 hits and seven stolen bases. She also is second on the team in total bases with 36.

“A person who has that type of batting average can obviously hit,” Martin said.

Mobley said the difference between a good hitter and a great hitter is all mental. A great hitter knows what pitch is coming and knows the pitcher’s tendencies on any given situation.

An outfielder, Mobley has batted anywhere from leadoff to third in the lineup this season.

“The leadoff hitter is crucial because it sets the tone for the game, especially for road games” Mobley said. “But, I think the first three hitters really set the tone and let the rest of the team know that the pitcher can be hit.”