April 13, 2011

Box Score

Box Score in PDF Format

DEKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois University softball team opened its five-game homestand falling to UIC, 7-0, Wednesday afternoon at Mary M. Bell Field.

The Huskies (16-18) were unable to get that big hit when they needed it, while UIC (16-17) was able to take advantage of their opportunities.

"We just didn't have timely hitting today," said NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard. "We had runners on all the time and the ability to score them with the people we wanted up."

Northern Illinois loaded the bases in the first inning, however came up empty. Stephanie Tofft (Lincoln, Calif./Lincoln), opened the inning with a solid single to left field, extending her school-record hitting streak to 24 games. Two-out walks by Adriana Sanchez (San Fernando, Calif./Alemany) and Zoe Sinner (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) loaded the bases for Shelby Miller (Ottawa, Kan./Ottawa) struck out swinging.

The Flames capitalized in the top of the second, scoring four runs, with the big blow coming from Carly DeMarco, who hit a bases clearing triple to give UIC a 3-0 lead. They also scored a run in the third, and two in the sixth.

Tofft, who came into pitch the third inning, did a solid job in relief, allowing three runs, one earned in four innings of work.

"Stephanie has done a great job stepping up," Chouinard said. "We're having trouble with injuries to our pitching staff and Steph came up to me and said, `Coach if you need me to throw, I can.' We needed her today and she did a great job. She's been doing a great job since we've put her out there."

Northern Illinois is back in action Friday when the Huskies welcome Ohio to Mary M. Bell Field for a doubleheader. First pitch of Game One is set for 1 p.m. Fans can follow all the action live, via Gametracker at NIUHuskies.com.

-NIU-