When NIU softball player Lauren von Holst was in a 0-for-19 hitting slump earlier in the season, the batter’s box wasn’t the friendliest place for her.

“I just was not very comfortable, and I kept thinking too much when I was up to bat,” von Holst said.

Being a true freshman and the starting designated hitter, von Holst was expected to perform, she said. She didn’t want to start in a slump.

On Tuesday, while the softball team was splitting a doubleheader with Loyola, von Holst was breaking out of her slump. The Mokena native went 4-for-6 with four runs scored, two RBIs, a double and a home run.

Now, since breaking her hitless streak, von Holst is batting .500, going 6-for-12 in her last four games, including two home runs in three at-bats.

In Sunday’s rain-out game with Eastern Michigan, von Holst was 0-for-2. The game will be finished at noon today.

“I just have been continually working on my swing with my coaches,” von Holst said. “I think the main difference from then to now is that I am more aggressive. All I know is I am just so happy that I’m out of [the slump].”

NIU coach Donna Martin said she also is happy with von Holst finding her swing and hopes von Holst will be a more prominent fixture in the lineup.

Despite her struggles, von Holst still was putting the ball in play. She has 11 strikeouts on the season, including Sunday’s game.

“One of the most difficult things to do in this game is hit, and when your only job is being the designated hitter, you have to maintain your focus and stay aggressive,” Martin said.