Today’s matchup between the NIU and Northwestern softball teams marks a bittersweet event for the Wildcats. For NIU coach Donna Martin, it means farewell to an old friend.

Northwestern veteran coach Sharon Drysdale, the winningest in Wildcat history, will retire after 33 years of coaching, 23 of which were at Northwestern. Martin met Drysdale through recruiting and has looked up to the Wildcat coach as a role model.

“I’ve known her for a long time,” Martin said. “She’s a good mentor for me as a coach, so it’ll kind of be a special day for both of us.”

Meanwhile, Martin hopes her Huskies (9-18, 4-3 Mid-American Conference West) will continue to have solid pitching and stay hot on the plate. NIU hopes to use today’s matchup as preparation for this weekend’s home triple-header against Ball State.

“I think that we’re looking to continue some consistent hitting and stay sharp on defense,” Martin said. “We’re going to try to move some people around and give us some options for the weekend.”

The young Huskie pitching staff, anchored by senior Courtney Witvliet (5-6, 2.25 ERA), struck out 11 batters during three games last weekend, giving up just nine runs.

Northwestern sophomore pitcher Lauren Schwendimann returned to the Wildcat lineup, and Martin said she will present NIU’s sluggers a stiff challenge.

Schwendimann has struck out 25 batters in four games.

Martin says the Huskies’ defense also will need to be ready for Northwestern.

“They get the ball in play,” she said of the Wildcats. “They’ve got some speed. They like to run.”