March 10, 2012

Final Stats

NIU-ASU Box Score

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Northern Illinois University softball team came out swinging in their opening game of the DeMarini Invitational posting an 11-3 victory over Alcorn State Saturday at University Field.

NIU (6-7) jumped out to a 3-0 lead, batting around in the first inning. With runners on second and third with no outs, Shelby Miller (Ottawa, Kan./Ottawa) hit a sacrifice fly to give the Huskies a 1-0. An RBI double by Dani Parrish (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) extended the lead to 2-0. Carly Norton (Oak Forrest, Ill./Oak Forrest) capped the scoring when her single up the middle scored Parrish.

The Huskies delivered the big blow in the second inning, scoring five runs on two hits to take an 8-0 advantage. NIU batters showed their patience in the inning, coaxing four-straight walks. Norton collected three more RBIs in the game when her triple to right cleared the bases to give NIU a 7-0 lead. Erika Oswald (Glenview, Ill/Glenbrook South) completed the scoring when she earned a bases loaded walk, to drive in pitcher Jessica Sturm (Wichita, Kan./Goddard)

Northern Illinois posted a three-run third inning to take an 11-0 lead. Norton collected her fifth RBI on the day when she reached on a fielder's choice to score Stephanie Tofft (Lincoln, Calif./Lincoln).

Alcorn State (6-15) got on the board in the fourth, scoring two runs, and added a run in the fifth. However, the Lady Braves were unable to cut the lead to seven and the game ended in the fifth.

Norton led the way for the Huskie offense, going 2-for-3 on the day with five RBI. Parrish also turned in a solid performance from the plate, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and three runs scored.

Strum pitched well to pick up her first collegiate victory. She allowed three runs, one earned, on two hits and three walks in five innings of work.

NIU faces Boise State tonight in its second game of the DeMarini Invitational hosted by Missouri. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

-NIU-