Averaging four runs a game, the Huskie softball team has looked to its pitching to hold teams at bay.

Junior Amy Krahula has done more than her share this season, posting an 8-3 record that ties her for second for the MAC in wins.

NIU head coach Donna Martin has no doubt in her mind that Krahula is a big key to NIU’s early success.

“She needs to be the person we can go to,” Martin said.

Though Krahula’s partner in crime at the mound, Kathy Dearborn, leads the Huskies’ pitching staff with 43 strikeouts, Krahula has struck out 30 and walked a mere 14 batters.

Of the 31 runs that have crossed the plate while Krahula has been on the mound this season, only 17 have been earned.

Pitching and letting the fielders make plays hasn’t been the only way that Krahula has been manufacturing outs.

Sunday, NIU’s hurler fielded three ground balls that ended in throws to Del Toro at first base for outs, and with cat-like reflexes, she snagged a low line drive that was hit back to the mound.

Krahula credited her defense and offense for her early success, but has held her own on the mound this season by holding opponents to a .232 batting average.