DeKALB — The NIU softball team won both games of a doubleheader in their first day playing against Bowling Green State University Friday in Bowling Green, Ohio, but lost the third game of the series on Sunday after it was rescheduled from a Saturday rain delay.

Game one: NIU 1, BGSU 0

The first game of the day was a low-scoring event, with the Huskies beating the Falcons 1-0. NIU’s only run of the game came in the fourth inning from a sacrifice bunt by senior designated hitter Bianca Barone to bring in senior catcher Katie Keller.

With strong pitching on both sides, the total amount of hits in the game was lower than total strikeouts. NIU and BGSU had six and four hits respectively. Leading in hits for the Huskies were junior infielder Sam Mallinder and senior outfielder Amberly Rodriguez with two hits each.

Game two: NIU 5, BGSU 3

The next game of the doubleheader was more action-packed from the start. NIU scored all of their runs in the first three innings to earn a 5-0 lead over the Falcons. Despite a three-run rally in the bottom of the third inning by BGSU, the Huskies were able to hold their advantage with scoreless frames in the last four innings to secure the victory.

Each of NIU’s seven hits in the game came from seven different Huskie batters.

Game three: BGSU 7, NIU 3

After a rain delay paused the third game of the weekend in the top of the second inning with a 1-1 tie score, the Falcons won 7-3 after play resumed on Sunday. BGSU was able to run away with a decivisie lead in the fifth inning after a hit-by-pitch from junior pitcher Delaney Ostrowski with bases loaded led to a five-run rally for the Falcons.

The Huskies had six more hits in the game than BGSU with 14 in total for the day. Junior infielder Kelly Walinski led hitters with four total hits, including two doubles. Senior outfielder Kara Apato contributed three hits to NIU’s total.

Looking ahead

NIU now has a 8-10 overall season record following their series at Bowling Green State University. The softball team will welcome the Illinois State University Redbirds for NIU’s home opener in DeKalb at 3 p.m. on Wednesday before traveling to Miami, Ohio Friday for a weekend series against Miami University.