The Northern Illinois University softball team dropped its doubleheader to Loyola falling 5-2 in the first game and losing the second, 6-0, Tuesday at Loyola Softball Park.
The Huskies (20-28) took an early 1-0 lead in Game One with a run in the top of the third. Krista Matsui, who led off the inning with a single, moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Jennifer Barnett. Matsui scored all the way from second when Amanda Sheppard reached on a throwing error by the second baseman.
However, the Ramblers (18-19) would answer with two runs in the bottom of the frame and added a three spot in the bottom of the fourth. NIU scored its second run of the game on a Sheppard single to center driving in Barnett. Unfortunately for the Huskies, that would be as close as they would get.
The second game was all Loyola as the Ramblers would pound out nine hits and took advantage on five Huskie errors en route to their shutout victory over the Huskies. Northern Illinois was held to just two hits on the day, a lead-off double by Ashley Cann in the first and a single by Kate Welsh.
Whitney Owens suffered the loss, allowing six runs, but only three were earned. Despite the outcome, NIU coach Lindsay Chouinard felt this outing could go a long way in boosting her confidence.
“We got some good innings from Whitney today,” Chouinard said. “She got some good work in today. We hope to see that help her confidence level and produce for us this weekend in MAC play.”
Northern Illinois returns to the diamond Friday when the Huskies open a four game home stand with a doubleheader versus MAC West rival Ball State at Mary M. Bell Field.
