March 9, 2006
Box Score
CLEARWATER, FL - Despite giving up only three runs in two games, Northern Illinois Softball couldn't get the offense going as they fell to Tennessee Tech University, 3-2 and Villanova University, 1-0 in the first day of the University of South Florida-adidas Invitational in Clearwater, FL.
In the first game of the day, the Huskies managed seven hits but couldn't string them together enough to overtake Tennessee Tech, who compiled three runs on seven hits for the game. The only Huskie scoring on the day came in the form of the long ball. Down by two runs in the fourth, NIU rallied when Michelle Nendza drew a walk just before freshman Bailey Ouellette knocked a dinger to left field to tie the game at two.
In the top of the seventh, the sophomore Beth Boden doubled with two outs. Followed by a Huskie error, TTU scored the go-ahead run, and NIU couldn't make a rally back in the seventh. Sophomore pitcher Taryn Hagemann gave a strong effort in the circle for the Huskies, giving up two earned runs on seven hits. Ouellette and junior Ellen Stoddard each had a multi-hit game for NIU as each Huskie went two-for-three.
"Bailey had a big hit for us today," said head coach Donna Martin. "But it wasn't quite enough to get the win. Offensively, we need to stop pressing and just execute."
In the second game against Villanova, NIU had solid pitching effort from senior Paige Granath. The hurler gave up one run on seven hits to suffer the loss. Unfortunately for the Huskies, Villanova hurler Kat Walsh was nearly untouchable as the sophomore gave up only one hit to Jenna Mitchell. Mitchell managed to drive a high chopper to the left side of the infield and then successfully beat the throw. The lone run of the game came on a Villanova hit streak where the Wildcats put together a string of singles to get on the board in the third inning.
"I'm very proud of the way Taryn and Paige pitched," said Martin. "They brought their games today and gave their team the opportunity to win. We just have to get the offensive rolling."
Now 3-7 on the season, NIU returns to action tomorrow (Mar. 10) in Clearwater. They open play against University of Massachusetts at 9 a.m. (CST) in a game that will be available via Gametracker. For the second game of the day, the Huskies battle Jacksonville University at 11 a.m.
