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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

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...

Softball takes home series finale

By Khobi Price | May 8, 2018

DeKALB — The softball team won two out of three games against the Central Michigan University Chippewas Friday and Saturday at Mary M. Bell Field, concluding its 2018 regular season.The Huskies (21-30, 11-11 Mid-American Conference) clinched their spot...

Batter Breakdown: Dominique Greeno

By Rick Green | May 3, 2018

Name: Dominique Greeno

Position: Infielder

Hometown: Lacey, Washington

Favorite sports team: Seattle Seahawks

“I’m from the Seattle area,” Greeno said. “I love Russell Wilson, the Legion of Boom, and we have the best fans.”

Favorite athlete/role model: Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker

“She just plays really hard, and she is just one of my favorite athletes,” Greeno said.

Interesting fact: Can solve a Rubik’s Cube quickly

“I can solve a Rubik’s Cube really quickly,” Greeno said. “I would say about a minute and a half to complete it.”

Game strengths: Intensity and passion

“I care a lot about the game, when something good happens I get pumped,” Greeno said. “When something bad happens, it hurts a lot.”

Game weaknesses: Intensity

“It’s a double edged sword,” Greeno said. “Sometimes I get down or hard on myself and get my head taken out of the game.”

Favorite teammate: Katie Lamich

“She’s just a little bundle of joy, and she’s always cracking a smile and dancing,” Greeno said.

Pre-game rituals: Sleeps with bat before road games

“I usually sleep with my bat on away trips,” Greeno said. “It’s something I did in high school and travel ball. It’s kind of a weird comfort thing.”

Favorite softball/baseball memory: Travel Ball

“Travel ball when we played and traveled,” Greeno said. “We traveled to New Zealand and saw the fireworks at night.”

Why you enjoy playing for NIU: My teammates

“I love my team with all my heart,” Greeno said. “We are a family. People think we spend a lot of time together because we practice all the time, but we leave practice and go to each other’s homes.”

Greeno is batting .267 and has 28 hits this season. In her freshman and sophomore season, she earned the third highest on-base percentage with .474 her freshman season and .362 her sophomore season.

“Dom has done a great job stepping up into a leadership role this year,” said Head Coach Christina Sutcliffe. “She is usually a high energy worker, having her out there is a great benefit.”

The Huskies will return to the diamond 3 p.m. Friday to face Mid-American Conference foe Central Michigan University at Mary M. Bell field in DeKalb.

Late-game execution key for Huskies

By Khobi Price | May 3, 2018

The softball team needs to close out games stronger if it wants to qualify for the Mid-American Conference tournament.The Huskies are in danger of missing the MAC tournament for the first time since 2012. They’re going to finish with their worst winning...

Junior Alex Frenz picked up the win for the Huskies on Friday. Frenz is 8-6 on the season. The Huskies are 18-28 and fifth in the MAC East division.

Huskie softball drops weekend series

By Rick Green | April 30, 2018

Junior Alex Frenz picked up the win for the Huskies on Friday. Frenz is 8-6 on the season. The Huskies are 18-28 and fifth in the MAC East division.

Outfielder ready to turn season around

By Khobi Price | April 26, 2018

DeKALB — Softball junior outfielder Jessica Rio is looking to redeem herself as the regular season comes to a close.Rio has experienced more lows than highs during the 2018 season. She ranks No. 14 on the team in batting average out of 15 qualified...

Senior infielder Alaynie Woollard throws to first base in the Huskies’ 9-1 win March 30 against the University at Buffalo Bulls.

Infielder’s leadership speaks volumes

By Khobi Price | April 19, 2018

Senior infielder Alaynie Woollard throws to first base in the Huskies’ 9-1 win March 30 against the University at Buffalo Bulls.

Batter Breakdown: Sam Schmidt

By Khobi Price | April 19, 2018

Name: Sam SchmidtPosition: InfielderHometown: LombardStarted playing softball: Kindergarten“I started out playing baseball in kindergarten,” Schmidt said. “When I got to sixth grade, I switched over and started playing softball. I knew I kind of...

Softball extends losing streak

By Khobi Price | April 15, 2018

DeKalb — The softball team’s losing streak extended to six games as the Huskies lost two contests Friday against the University of Toledo Rockets in Toledo, Ohio.“Overall, we are playing well, we are just not getting a break,” said Head Coach...

Softball falters against Ball State

By Rick Green | April 12, 2018

DeKALB — The softball team lost both games of a double-header against MAC rival Ball State University Cardinals Wednesday to attain a conference record of 5-6.“I’m just a little disappointed at some of our at-bats,” said Head Coach Christina Sutcliffe....

Softball can’t close out home series

By Khobi Price | April 9, 2018

DeKALB — The softball team won one game of its three-game series against the Ohio University Bobcats Saturday and Sunday at Mary M. Bell Field.The Huskies’ (14-22, 5-4 Mid-American Conference) lone win was their first victory against Ohio since May...