Feb. 10, 2012
Final Stats
SU-NIU Box Score
HAMMOND, La. - The Northern Illinois University softball team used a five-run fifth to rally from a one-run deficit to post an 8-4 victory over Southern in the season opener at the 2012 Lion Softball Classic
Trailing 4-3 in the top of the fifth, play was halted due to rain. When the showers had passed and play resumed at 5 p.m., the Huskies (1-0) came out swinging putting up a five spot in the bottom of the fifth to take a commanding four-run advantage.
The inning began with a bunt single by Dani Parrish and a walk by Stephanie Tofft, giving Jennifer Barnett a perfect RBI opportunity. Barnett delivered with a double to right center to drive in the runners and give the Huskies a 5-4 lead. Three batters latter and with runners at second and third and one out, Amanda Sheppard doubled down the left field line to drive in two more runs for NIU. A two-out single by freshman Bryanna Phelan scored Sheppard, who stole third, to cap the scoring for the Huskies.
Freshman pitcher Megan Dortch closed down Southern (0-2) in the final two innings. She shut out the Jaguars allowing one hit and two base on balls in two-and-a-third innings.
Phelan led the way for the Huskies, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in her first collegiate softball game. Sheppard knocked in a game-high three RBIs, while Barnett was 1-for-2 with two RBIs.
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