March 30, 2011

Box Score

Game One Box Score in PDF Format

Game Two Box Score in PDF Format

DEKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois University softball team dropped its home opener to Valparaiso Wednesday afternoon in doubleheader action at Mary M. Bell Field.

The Huskie (10-14) offense pounded out 19 hits for 11 runs in the two games, however, NIU committed 10 errors on the afternoon to post a 17-6 loss in Game One and an 8-5 decision in Game Two. Northern Illinois did have an opportunity to swing the momentum in its favor in both games.

Trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth of Game One, NIU had the bases loaded with one out and were unable to capitalize. In the second game, NIU was down 2-0 in the bottom of the second and loaded the bases with two outs, but again came up empty.

One bright spot on the day was freshman Stephanie Tofft (Lincoln, Calif./Lincoln) extending her hitting streak to 14 games. She went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored including a deep home run in the first game and was 2-for-4 with two RBI in Game Two.

"She's doing a great job at the plate," NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard said of Tofft's performance at the plate today. "For a freshman, it's good production. She's been consistent all year. Hopefully she'll continue to do well."

Sophomore Adriana Sanchez (San Fernando, Calif./ Alemany) also had a solid day at the plate, going 3-for-7 from the plate including a 2-for-3 performance with an RBI and a run scored in the first game. Freshman Nicole Gremillion (Missouri City, Texas/Elkins) pitched Game Two, allowing eight runs, six earned, also went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the nightcap.

Northern Illinois returns to the diamond Friday when the Huskies play host Mid-American Conference foe Eastern Michigan in doubleheader action in the MAC opener. First pitch for Game One is scheduled for 2 p.m. Central and fans can follow all the action live via Gametracker at NIUHuskies.com.

-NIU-