Splitting its games over the weekend, the NIU women’s soccer team has won two of its last three games, which gives them their best mark in a three game stretch this year.

On Friday, the Huskies (3-10-1, 3-7 in the Mid-American Conference) lost 2-0 to defending MAC champion Miami (OH). They followed that by defeating Ball State 3-2 in double overtime on Sunday.

On Friday, Miami (OH) scored one goal in the first half and one in the second half.

The RedHawks first goal was scored at 5:44 when Julie Grosso scored off an assist from Danielle Berkmeier. Andrea Cunningham was also credited with an assist. The second goal came at 74:25 when Danielle Altiero headed in a Berkmeier corner kick.

NIU coach Frank Horvat’s biggest concern during the week was the RedHawks’ front line, namely Berkmeier and Cunningham who came into the game with 19 goals and 45 points combined. The Huskies held the combo to three assists. Also, the Huskies held the RedHawks to eight shots on goal.

Horvat says, however, that the team once again didn’t take advantage of its opportunities.

“We had two scoring chances, but again we’re struggling from the top of the penalty area to the end line,” he said. “We played very well today, but we just need to be able to put things together. Miami’s forwards are the best front-line pair in the conference, but we did a good job against them today.”

On Sunday against Ball State, the Huskies were led by fifth-year senior Jane Mucci, who scored two goals including the game winner as the Huskies outlasted the Cardinals.

Mucci scored her first goal at 20:22 off a centering pass from Katie Klaas giving the Huskies a 1-0 lead.

Nine minutes later, Ball State’s Kate Nadalin headed in a pass from Ehren Reagor to tie the game. The Cardinals took the lead just before half time on a goal from Emily Feeney.

At 64:56 Katie Klaas tied the game 2-2, scoring off a pass from Anne Roman.

Less than three minutes into the second overtime, Mucci headed in a free kick from Becca Bleyer to give the Huskies the victory.

“We came out a little sluggish today and we were tired in overtime,” Horvat said. “But we battled through it and got a big win. This team showed its character and heart and determination this afternoon. We were a very tired team, but I’m happy for my players because they were able to pull out a win. It wasn’t our best performance, but we did what we needed to do,” Mucci said.

For Mucci, it was the fourth multi-goal game of her NIU career and her first since Sept. 6, 1999. It was also her first points since Sept. 30.

“She needed a game like this, and maybe this can help her confidence in the last few games for us,” Horvat said.