March 4, 2011

Box Score

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The Northern Illinois University softball team split its two games of the first day of the Colorado State Classic hosted by Colorado State, including a 19-run barrage against the host Rams.

The Huskies (4-8), who dropped a 6-5 heartbreaker earlier in the day to Sacred Heart, rebounded with an offensive explosion in a 19-5 win over Colorado State. Northern Illinois outhit CSU, 18-3, with five Huskies posting a multi-hit game, including a 4-for-4, six-RBI performance from freshman Stephanie Tofft (Lincoln, Calif./Lincoln). Zoe Sinner (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) was also perfect from the plate, going 3-for-3 with a game-high eight RBIs.

"It was nice to see our three and four hitters hit people in today," NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard said. "Steph and Zoe together had 14 RBIs. We did a great job of being aggressive in those spots and driving in runners when we needed them too. The offense really set the tone for the game."

NIU trailed, 2-1 heading into the top of the second when the Huskies erupted with six runs. Tofft delivered the big blow in the inning with a bases-clearing three-run double to left field. The Huskies put up a five spot in both the third and fourth inning to take a 17-3 lead. Sinner racked up three RBIs in both innings with a three-run homer in the third and a three-run double in the fourth.

Nicole Gremillion (Missouri City, Texas/Elkins) picked up her first collegiate victory, going five innings allowing five runs, three earned on five hits. She was also solid from the plate, going 2-for-4 from the plate with an RBI and scoring four runs.

"She settled in nicely," Chouinard said. "I think she was a little nervous early. She did a good job of settling in and trusting her wrist. It was nice to see the freshman get her first win."

Northern Illinois returns to the diamond Saturday, Mar. 5 when the Huskies take on Santa Clara at 2:30 p.m. with the second game of the day against Colorado State at 4:45 p.m. Fans can follow all the action live via Gametracker at NIUHuskies.com.

-NIU-