After struggling offensively and losing 14 of 21 games, the NIU softball team used a combined 21 hits to split a doubleheader with host Kent State on Wednesday.

NIU (18-18, 8-6 MAC) took Game 2 by a mark of 6-4 behind solid production from the top of the lineup. Lisa Mattke, Kelly Redican, Shelby Bernard and Paige Shemoski combined to go 6-12 at the plate and scored four of the six Huskie runs.

Paige Granath (2-3) picked up the win for the Huskies in relief of Kathy Dearborn. Granath pitched one and one-third innings, allowing three hits and no runs.

In Game 2, the Golden Flashes (25-12, 13-5 MAC) got three runs in the first inning and added one more in the bottom of the eighth to escape with the 8-7 victory.

The Huskies lost despite 14 hits, seven of which came from Mattke, Redican and Bernard.

Amy Krahula (9-7) pitched a complete game for the Huskies, allowing 13 hits and eight runs, four of which were earned.