April 22, 2007

Box Score

KENT, Ohio - A grand slam in the bottom of the fifth inning proved too difficult for Northern Illinois University softball team to overcome as it lost its series with Kent State, 4-3, Sunday afternoon.

"We did a good job in the early innings, and not such a good job in the later innings," said NIU head coach Donna Martin. "The kids really battled back. I'm proud of the way they played."

The two teams played scoreless softball for four and a half innings. Kent State (24-15, 10-2) opened the scoring when first baseman Jamie Fitzpatrick came to the plate with the bases loaded for the second time in the game. The Huskies were able to get her out in the third inning, but she hit a first pitch two out grand slam to give the Golden Flashes a 4-0 lead at the end of five innings. The Huskies (18-21, 7-7) did respond in the top of the sixth.

Krystn Sendejas led off the inning with a single, while Krista McPherson and Bailey Ouellette both reached after getting hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Randi Kreiter. Once again, Kreiter came up big in an RBI situation, this time with a two-run double. A bunt single by Michelle Nendza loaded the bases. Kelly Park drove in another run when she was hit by a pitch, keeping the bases loaded. Unfortunately, the Huskies were unable to score again, leaving the bases loaded.

Kreiter went 1-3 on the day with two RBI, while Sendejas went 1-3 with a run scored. Nendza and Jenna Roberts also went 1-3. Taryn Hagemann (7-10) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on six hits.

NIU finishes its four game road trip 2-2, winning the first two games in Buffalo and dropping its final two to Kent State. The Huskies return home Wednesday for a doubleheader with the DePaul Blue Demons at Mary M. Bell Field. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. CDT. Fans can follow all the action of the first game on 1360 AM WLBK. Bill Baker will have the call. Both games will be available of GameTracker at niuhuskies.com.