May 6, 2009

Final Stats

Box Score

AKRON, Ohio - The Northern Illinois University softball team suffered a 2-1 loss to Miami University in the first game of the 2009 MAC Softball Tournament at Firestone Stadium Wednesday.

The Huskies (18-36) struck first, scoring a run in the first inning when Michelle Williams (Fresno, Calif./Bullard) singled up the middle, scoring Jenna Roberts (Verona, Wis./West) from second base. NIU had runners on first and second with one out, but were held to just one run in the inning.

Miami (OH) (29-22) did all its scoring in the bottom of the second. With runners at the corners and one out, Alexis Javier doubled to left center, clearing the bases and giving the RedHawks a 2-1 advantage. Miami pitcher Jessica Simpson and the Miami defense were able to contain the Huskie offense and hold on for the victory.

Freshman Morgan Bittner (Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach Poly) suffered the loss, allowing two runs on six hits and three base on balls, while striking out four. Zoe Sinner had a solid day at the plate, going 2-for-2, while Williams went 1-for-3 with a run batted in.

"It's like we talked about after the game," NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard said. "It's about sticking to the plan and doing what we've done all year. I think Morgan did a good job."

The Huskies return to the diamond tomorrow and will face the loser of the Ball State-Bowling Green game. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. CST.

-NIU-