March 18, 2009

Final Stats

Game 1 Box Score in PDF Format

Game 2 Box Score in PDF Format

DEKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois University softball team lost its home opener, dropping both games to Loyola Wednesday afternoon at Mary M. Bell Field, despite a seventh-inning rally in the second game.

"We rallied in the last inning," NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard said. "That's a great thing to do. It shows things are changing and they're turning around. It's all about momentum moving forward. Obviously you want to win these games, but the MAC is our big concern. It's about getting better for conference."

After being shutout on one hit by Loyola (11-7), 4-0, in the first game, the Huskie (4-16) offense came alive in the second game, scoring four runs on eight hits, but came up short 5-4.

Down 4-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh, NIU put up a three-spot in its final at bat. Jenna Roberts (Verona, Wis./West) got things started for Northern Illinois with a one-out single and advanced to third on groundout by Katie Colby (Waukesha, Wis./West). Kayla Kramer (West Chicago, Ill./West Chicago) reached on an error by the left fielder, advancing to second on the play and scoring Roberts, to pull the Huskies to within two.

An Andrea Colosimo (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) single drove in Kramer from second, cutting the deficit to one. Colosimo put herself in scoring position with some heads up base running, advancing to second on the Ramblers' attempt to throw out Kramer at the plate. A double by Michelle Williams (Fresno, Calif./Fresno City College) to center field scored Colosimo, tying the game at 4-4. However, NIU was unable to get the winning run in from second and the game was sent to extra innings.

Per NCAA rules, the last batter from the previous inning is placed on second base to begin extra innings. Loyola's Stevie Bradich was placed on second to begin the Rambler eighth. Bradich and Kristen Medrud, who coaxed a one-out walk, each moved up a base on a double steal. A sacrifice fly by Kristin Guska scored Bradich from third to give the Ramblers the 5-4 lead.

Carly Norton (Oak Forest, Ill./Oak Forest), who was placed on second to begin the Huskie eighth, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Krista Matsui (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield South). Unfortunately for the Huskies, she would not score and the Ramblers would escape with the victory.

Colosimo went 2-for-3 with a RBI and run socred in game two, while Roberts was 1-for-4 with two runs scored.

Joreigh Landers (Vernonia, Ore./Vernonia), who came in for Colosimo to pitch in the sixth inning, suffered the loss. However, Chouinard was pleased with both Landers and Colosimo's performance in the pitching circle.

"I think the pitchers did a good job," Chouinard said. "Joreigh came in and did a great job and Andrea gave a bunch of good innings. That one inning she [Colosimo] gave up a couple of runs. It's the first time Andrea has pitched collegiately. She's doing a great job of making adjustments."

Northern Illinois returns to the field Mar. 25, 2009 when the Huskies play host to Valparaiso. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Mary M. Bell Field.

-NIU-