NIU third baseman Rob Marconi took the good with the bad this weekend as the Huskies took three out of four from Toledo.

On Saturday, Marconi began by hitting two home runs, one in each game and combining for four hits, three RBI's and four runs scored in the two games.

"Well, we knew coming in that Marconi had been swinging a pretty hot bat," Toledo coach Joe Kruzel said. "He's a very good hitter, a very good third baseman and he's a gifted player."

Marconi also did it in the field as he made a diving catch and threw back to first for a double play in the seventh inning of Game 2. NIU had a 4-0 lead at that point and the play helped pitcher Zach Minor finish his day unscathed.

"That was something I needed to do because the play before I made an error," Marconi said. "I needed to help out my pitcher and he gave me another chance to make the play."

Even though Saturday was good to the Huskies and Marconi, Sunday wasn't quite as pleasing.

Marconi combined to go 1-for-8 with five strikeouts as the Huskies split Sunday's twin bill.

Marconi said he takes pride in being a consistent player. But in baseball, an off day will happen.

The Student Association and Collegiate Services Inc. are offering NIU students a chance to save money by using the Student Savings Club Card.

This card will allow students to receive a discount at many local retailers in the DeKalb/ Sycamore area. According to the SA, if the cards are used frequently, the discounts can add up to a lot of money during the the course of a school year.

There are several restaurants listed on the card, such as Shelly's, McDonald's, Molly's Eatery and Drinkery and Pita Pete's. Auto services also are included on the card. Students can go to shops like Sycamore Mitsubishi, Lube Pro's and Tires Plus and receive a substantial discount on their automotive needs. Other services that offer discounts with the card are various hair salons, entertainment venues and retailers.

Kevin O'Kelly, SA chief of staff, said this service is good for students living off-campus.

"This service is great for off- campus students who don't have access to meal plans," O'Kelly said.

Kimberly Judson, assistant professor of the marketing department, said this sales promotion would not persuade students to spend more than they need to.

"I feel that NIU students possess good critical thinking skills and most likely make smart consumer decisions," Judson said.

Judson also said the collegiate services card appears to be a good sales promotion technique for area businesses seeking to create awareness and attract students as customers.

Despite the fact that the card offers several discounts, students have neglected the card, according to area retailers.

"I haven't seen any increase in sales since the card's release," said Pete Lutz, manager of Pita Pete's, 901 Lucinda Ave.

The card is not only available to students, but to faculty and staff members as well. O'Kelly also said this service is free for students. The cards are available at the front desks of the residence halls, the SA office and the University Programming and Activities office in the Campus Life Building. O'Kelly said eventually the cards will be available in academic buildings, such as DuSable and Barsema halls. O'Kelly also said that inevitably, more merchants will be added to the roster because student will opt not to go with them if they are not listed.

For information about the card, call the SA office at 753-0482.

An undefeated MAC season was not meant to be for the NIU softball team.

After taking the first game, 3-0, of a doubleheader Sunday afternoon at Mary Bell Field, the Huskies (14-10, 4-1 MAC) fell 4-0 to Western Michigan (14-12, 4-2 MAC) in the second game.

"We're having a problem with keeping pressure on our opponents," NIU coach Donna Martin said.

NIU entered Sunday's contest with the only undefeated record in the MAC at 4-0.

NIU got a solid pitching performance from Amy Krahula, who didn't allow a hit after the third inning. The Huskies got off to another quick start by posting three runs in the bottom of the first.

Reigning MAC West Division Player of the Week Paige Shemoski drove in Lisa Mattke on her fourth double of the year, and one of nine hits in the game for NIU, to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead.

Extending NIU's lead to three, first baseman Toni Del Toro, who's leading the MAC in fielding percentage and put-outs, showed off her offensive prowess by smacking a two-run double to bring in Shemoski and Shelby Bernard.

Krahula and the Huskies' defense combined for 12-straight outs at one point on their way to earning their first shutout of the season.

In the second game, NIU's sophomore pitcher Kathy Dearborn struggled, giving up nine hits and two home runs that proved to be enough for WMU to win.

"She needs to keep working through it," Martin said. "Her change-up needs to be more consistent, which will help slow their bats down."

WMU's Gina Dobbs hit the first home run to right-center, which brought in Dayna Crawford and broke a branch off the tree sitting outside the fence. Jaymie Voss hit WMU's second homer off the scoreboard in left-center, bringing in Mary McCloskey.

Laurie Stewart pitched the Broncos to victory the rest of the way, giving up three hits over seven innings and finishing off NIU with a one, two, three seventh inning.

"We need to sustain our concentration," Martin said. "We gave them too much confidence and let them think they could play with us."

Edwin McCain is one of those artists who gets progressively better the more he releases.

With the release of his latest album, "The Austin Sessions," he makes it clear why he will be around the music scene for a long time to come.

McCain's sixth release is a perfect mix of new and old songs and even a few songs with a bit of a rootsy-like twist. The album is a mix of acoustic guitar and McCain's strong voice.

After hearing records like this, it becomes clear why some singers make it in the business today, while most don't. In McCain's case, it's a combination of a deep, pulsing voice that can send shivers down your spine and his amazing guitar playing. He ties together a unique modern-rock flair that separates him from the pack of most folk rock artists. Besides having incredible talent, McCain tells us stories while he sings, opening up his world to anyone willing to listen.

"We've had people asking for this record for a long time," McCain said on his Web site (www.edwin.com). "The core group of people that like what I do have always said they want an all-acoustic album, so here we go. It's real loose and it's not overproduced. I didn't redo the vocals, they just are what they are."

"The Austin Sessions" not only has a few new songs, but it also has covers of songs that he plays during his concerts. He chose the songs to use with the help of fans.

The best track on the album is the song "I Want it All," a sweet song about unconditional love. McCain's lyrics are extremely touching and emotional, making this an incredible track.

"Let it Slide" displays McCain's southern roots with a country sound. The song has a sound reminiscent of something you would hear on a Dixie Chicks album. He also covers the Buddy Mondlock song "No Choice." The song will make you feel like you should be sitting around a campfire singing along.

Another key song on the album is "Go Be Young." It previously was featured on McCain's 1999 release "Messenger." It is a riveting ballad about a woman getting older and regretfully drowning her sorrows with alcohol.

Track after track, "The Austin Sessions" is an amazing album. Edwin McCain is sure to be around for a while if he keeps releasing albums like this.