The wind died down and so did Loyola’s bats, as NIU softball stole the second game of a doubleheader, 5-0, Tuesday at Mary Bell Field after losing the first game 7-1.

Huskies pitcher Amy Krahula tossed a shutout in the second game, holding the Ramblers offense to four hits. Krahula had been struggling as of late, receiving a no-decision and losing two games, while giving up 13 runs in her last three outings for NIU (8-17 overall).

“There was a great deal of pressure on Krahula to pitch well this game,” NIU coach Donna Martin said. “We really needed her to have a good game, and she responded very well.”

The Huskies’ offense also resurfaced, having scored 11 runs to their opponents’ 36 amidst a six-game losing streak.

Freshman Lauren Von Holst capped off the day by hitting a solo home run to left-center field for a 4-0 lead in the fourth inning. The Huskies’ designated hitter collected the first two hits of her NIU career in the first game. Von Holst was 0-for-19 on the season before going a combined 4-for-6 Tuesday.

“It was just a confidence thing,” Von Holst said. “The coaches have really been helping me fight through it.”

NIU’s leadoff hitter Kelly Park began the first game by smacking a double to right field. However, the Huskies were held hitless until Von Holst notched her first hit in the fifth inning.

As for the Ramblers (10-13), not even the swirling winds could cool down their bats.

Loyola’s Keilah Williams hit a solo home run in the second inning before teammate Becky Marx launched a grand slam over the left-field score board in the third inning for a 5-0 lead over NIU.

“We’ve made some good adjustments with our hitting recently,” Loyola coach Jamie Gillies said. “But they just flat-out beat us in the second game.”