With runners on first and second base and one out in the bottom of the fourth inning, Kelly Redican stepped up to bat for NIU, as play resumed from Sunday’s rained-out game against Eastern Michigan.

The game resumed at noon Monday at Mary Bell Field with the score tied at two.

Redican lined out to the shortstop before Kelly Drozd delivered another game-winning hit against the Eagles this weekend -following up her hit in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader; NIU lost the second game on Saturday. The left fielder drove the two-out pitch from EMU’s pitcher Michelle Lloyd over the center fielder’s head to give NIU (10-18 overall, 2-1 MAC) a 4-2 lead.

The two-run cushion was all Huskies senior pitcher Amy Krahula needed, shutting out EMU the rest of the way in earning her fifth win of the season.

NIU coach Donna Martin said she had no doubt in her mind that the team would be focused on the game.

“We work everyday on being in control of what we do,” Martin said. “We know we can’t bring class to practice, and it helped having a senior on the mound who’s been through that situation and knows how to control her thought process.”

Martin also praised freshman shortstop Kelly Park for her play in the field and contributions from the lead-off spot in the batting order.

“She’s actually playing out of position because she came in as an outfielder,” Martin said. “It’s awesome that she’s done everything we’ve asked her to for the benefit of the team.”

Another freshman turning heads has been designated hitter Lauren Von Holst, who earned MAC West Player of the Week .

Over four games this past week, Von Holst went 6-for-12 with three RBIs, three runs scored and a 1.083 slugging percentage.

“Lauren is settling in and becoming much more confident at the plate,” Martin said.