Despite the freezing weather in DeKalb, the NIU softball team managed to find a way to open up its ‘spring’ schedule as it traveled to Lafayette, La., for doubleheaders against the 10th-ranked Ragin‘ Cajuns of Southwestern Louisiana and McNeese State.

In Game One, the Huskies had to go into extra innings before finally winning their first game of the season over McNeese State, 3-0. The two teams went scoreless for seven innings of regulation and three innings after that before NIU scored all three of its runs in the 11th. Sheila Van Gotham (one-for-five, triple), Dawn Worden (one-for-four, triple), and Ree Zenner (one-for-five) picked up the game’s RBIs, while Tracy Meade picked up her first victory of the year giving up only five hits.

NIU was not as fortunate in Game Two against USL as it was dropped 3-2. USL All-America pitcher Kyla Hall gave up two runs on three hits while striking out 11. Zenner picked up two of those hits, while Mary Borem earned the third.

“We were so close to beating the 10th-ranked team,” said NIU head coach Dee Abrahamson. “In perspective we did well, but I have a feeling we’re going to be looking back at this game for a long time wishing we could have won this game. We had four hits, which is good against an All-America pitcher, and she threw strong. We just need to get the ball in play more if we want to win games like these. We left runners on second and third after scoring two (in the second inning), who knows what could have happened.”

NIU held a 2-0 lead going into the final frame of the seventh with pitcher Kim Compton owning a two-hitter. However, the USL offense exploded for three runs on five hits to hand the Huskies their first loss.

Back to McNeese State and victory went the Huskies with a 2-1 decision. Dawn Worden went two-for-three with a double and an RBI, while Katie Welsh picked up her first victory and Tracy Meade earned the save. Angela Porcelli, Denise Bloy, and Zenner earned two hits apiece.

The Huskies will not see action until March 4 when they travel to Tucson, AZ, for the University of Arizona Tournament.