May 10, 2007

Box Score

MIDLAND, Mich. -The Northern Illinois University softball team dropped its opening round game of the 2007 MAC Tournament with top-seeded Kent State, 4-2 Thursday afternoon at Currie Field.

Kent State opened the scoring in the first inning when Corey Houk dumped a one out bases-loaded single into left field to give the Golden Flashes a 2-0 lead. They had a chance to add to the lead with runners at second and third with out, but Taryn Hagemann was able to get out of the inning, limited the damage to the two runs.

Kent State added two more runs in the bottom of the second when Jessica Toocheck homered to center field. That would be it for Hagemann as she was taken out after pitching an inning and two-thirds allowing four runs. Freshman Kate Greenough came in to pitch for Hagemann. Kent State led 4-0 after two innings.

The Huskies (21-27, 10-12) first run of the game came in the top of the third. Kelly Park coaxed a lead-off walk and advanced to second on a fielder's choice. A wild pitched allowed Park to advance to third. Jenna Roberts drove in Park when she grounded out to the shortstop. The Huskies went into the bottom of the third down 4-1 and still searching for their first hit.

The Huskies got their first hit of the game in the top of the seventh on a lead-off home run to right field by Randi Kreiter, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Michelle Nendza followed that up with a double to center field. A double-play and fly out to left field ended the Huskies scoring threat and the game.

"We hit the ball pretty well," NIU head coach Donna Martin said. "Kate (Greenough) did a good job when she came in. We started Taryn (Hagemann) because we thought she had a better match up, but she wasn't getting the inside corner. She needs that inside corner."

The Huskies are back in action Thursday evening in the second game of the loser's bracket when they face off against Miami (OH). First pitch is set for 5 p.m. CDT.