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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

NIU softball huddles up before a game against Central Michigan University on April 2, 2023. The Huskies defeated the University of Montana Grizzlies 3-1 in their final game before MAC play. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball wins final tournament game of regular season

By Lucas Didier, Assistant Sports Editor | March 11, 2024

NIU softball (6-13) closed out the Montana Softball Classic strong with a 3-1 win over the University of Montana Grizzlies (10-16). The Huskies finished the tournament 2-3. NIU controlled the game from the pitcher’s circle, allowing just one run...

Then NIU junior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker (3) points to communicate with a coach before an inning on March 31, 2023. Shumaker scored the winning run against College of the Holy Cross Saturday on a bunt from freshman outfielder Katy Ramage. (Northern Star File Photo)

Ramage walks off Crusaders as Huskies split Saturday action

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter | March 10, 2024

It’s the bottom of the seventh inning in a 4-4 ball game. The NIU softball team, who sat at a 4-0 deficit after two innings, battled back for the chance of a walk-off win. The 1-0 pitch leaves the right hand of College of the Holy Cross senior pitcher/utility...

Junior middle infielder/outfielder Jenna Turner walks back to the dugout March 3 against Western Kentucky University. Turner had 2 RBIs Friday as NIU lost to College of the Holy Cross and University of Montana. (Courtesy of Wyatt Richardson)

Huskies drop first two games of Montana Softball Classic

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | March 9, 2024

NIU softball (4-12) left the first day of the Montana Softball Classic winless, sparking a three-game losing streak. The Huskies lost 5-3 against the College of the Holy Cross Crusaders (6-7) in Game 1 and lost 7-6 against the University of Montana...

NIU senior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker throws the ball during the Huskies’ 11-2 loss to Western Kentucky University in five innings Sunday at the WKU Softball Complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky. NIU’s defeat sent the Huskies home with a 1-3 record at the Hilltopper Spring Fling. (Courtesy of Wyatt Richardson)

Softball splits weekend finale in Western Kentucky

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter | March 3, 2024

NIU softball split its second and final day of action at the Hilltopper Spring Fling on Sunday to finish its third weekend out of 2024 with a 1-3 record. The Huskies (4-10) defeated the University of Dayton (7-5) before falling to Western Kentucky...

Then junior catcher Ellis Erickson (23) tosses the ball to the pitcher as Central Michigan University batters switch out on April 2, 2023. Erickson had two hits in a 6-5 loss to Central Michigan Sunday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball can’t capitalize, loses to Central Michigan

By Lucas Didier, Assistant Sports Editor | February 18, 2024

NIU softball (3-7) fell short against the Central Michigan University Chippewas (1-4) leaving the bases loaded in the sixth and losing 6-5 to finish 1-4 in the South Alabama Tournament. “Every loss matters,” said NIU softball head coach Christina...

Then NIU freshman pitcher and utility player Danielle Stewart (22) reaches for the ball as then junior catcher Ellis Erickson (23) passes it at home plate during NIU Softballs home game against Central Michigan University March 31, 2023. Stewart struck out eight batters in a complete game win over University of Alabama at Birmingham Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball splits Day 2 of South Alabama Invitational

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter | February 18, 2024

NIU softball stole nine bases and struck out as many batters en route to splitting the second day of the South Alabama Invitational on Saturday in Mobile, Alabama. The Huskies (3-6) upended the University of Alabama at Birmingham (3-4) 5-1 in the morning...

Senior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker prepares for a pitch against Western Illinois University at the Doc Halverson UNI-Dome Classic on Friday. Shumaker blasted a walk-off RBI double against Butler University Sunday. (Landon Wirt | Courtesy of UNI Athletics)

Extra-inning walk-off sends softball over Butler

By Lucas Didier, Assistant Sports Editor | February 12, 2024

An eighth-inning walk-off double by senior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker gave softball (2-3) a 6-5 win over Butler University (1-4) before Drake University (4-1) delivered the Huskies a 7-2 loss GAME 1: NIU 6, BUTLER 5 A pitcher’s duel was in full...

Then-freshman utility player Danielle Stewart (22), at bat, watches the ball fly after swinging during an NIU softball game against Central Michigan University on April 1, 2023 at Mary M. Bell Field in DeKalb. Stewart recorded 2 RBIs in NIUs victory over Western Illinois University Friday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Softball survives late comeback, nabs first win of 2024

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter | February 10, 2024

Seven different Huskies crossed home plate as NIU used early domination over an in-state rival to begin 2024 in the win column. NIU softball (1-0) successfully fended off a late comeback Friday to outlast Western Illinois University (0-1) 8-6 in the...

The 2024 NIU softball team poses for its official team photo. The Huskies open their season Friday at the Doc Halverson UNI-Dome Classic, facing five teams in three days. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Hungry for crown: Softball chases conference conquest

By Skyler Kisellus, Sports Reporter | February 7, 2024

DeKALB – When asked about her team’s strengths, NIU softball head coach Christina Sutcliffe offered three words to describe her team: gritty, spunky and fast. Guided by its 12th-year skipper, NIU will look to use that grit, spunk and speed in 2024...

NIU softball huddles up before the first game of a doubleheader against Central Michigan University on April 2. Head coach Christina Sutcliffe added six new recruits for the 2025 season. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball signs 6 new recruits

By Zack Rodriguez, Sports Reporter | November 15, 2023

DeKALB – NIU softball head coach Christina Sutcliffe has announced the signing of six new women’s softball recruits for the 2025 season, NIU Athletics announced on Tuesday.  Columbia High School senior Jaylyn Brister is poised to make her Huskie...

New assistant coach added to softball staff

By Sana Polizzi, Sports Reporter | October 26, 2023

Softball Head Coach Christina Sutcliffe has announced Hannah Clark as the new assistant coach.  “Hannah brings a remarkable blend of expertise and passion to our program," Sutcliffe said in an NIU Athletics press release. "As a former prestigious...

NIU freshman utility player Danielle Stewart (22) reaches for the ball as junior catcher Ellis Erickson (23) passes it to her at home plate during NIU Softballs home game against Central Michigan University March 31 at Mary M. Bell Field. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Stewart’s strikeout parade leads Huskies past Bulls

By Zack Rodriguez, Sports Reporter | May 1, 2023

DeKALB – NIU softball (24-24, 13-12 MAC) secured a game three victory over the University at Buffalo (12-35, 6-17 MAC) Sunday at Nan Harvey Field behind freshman pitcher Danielle Stewart’s strong pitching performance. After winning Games 1 and...