In the midst of a monster two-week schedule, the NIU softball team hit a roadblock at Kent State on Monday afternoon.

After enduring three games against Mid-American Conference leader Central Michigan two days earlier, the Huskies may have succumbed to fatigue, getting shut out in both contests, 3-0.

“We are just a tired and weary team right now,” Martin said. “We just didn’t have any luck.”

To make the Huskies’ task tougher, third baseman Kinsey Olson, infielder Kathy LeClear and outfielder Erin Holohan all did not play.

In the opener, senior ace Courtney Witvliet struck out six batters in six innings and walked just one. But NIU failed to produce runs, managing to get just three hits off KSU starter Kate Leary, who improved her record to 10-5. Witvliet dropped to 10-9 on the year and 8-4 in the Mid-American Conference. The Huskies produced just seven runs on the day.

“Our bats were really slow in Game 1,” NIU coach Donna Martin said. “We hit liners all day, but we just couldn’t catch a break. It was tough. Courtney pitched well enough to win.”

Freshman centerfielder Kelly Redican provided the lone offensive bright spot for the Huskies (16-31 overall, 10-11 MAC) notching two hits in five at-bats for the day.

In Game 2, freshman starter Amy Krahula gave up five hits in three innings, while fanning three KSU batters and walking one. Krahula dropped to 4-9 on the year.

The Huskies next host Conference USA power DePaul, who are ranked No. 12 in the country.