March 13, 2012

Box Score

NIU-Canisius Box Score

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Northern Illinois University softball team offense erupted with 12 runs on 14 hits as the Huskies posted a 12-4 victory over Canisius at the FGCU Softball Complex Tuesday afternoon.

Nicole Gremillion (Missouri City, Texas/Elkins) led the way for the Huskies (8-9), going 3-for-5 with an RBI and run scored from the leadoff spot. Stephanie Tofft (Lincoln, Calif./Lincoln) and Shelby Miller (Ottawa, Kan./Ottawa) turned in multiple RBI performances as Tofft went 2-for-3 with a game-high three RBIs and two runs scored, while Miller went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Northern Illinois took a 3-0 lead with a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth. Canisius (4-10) responded with a run in the bottom of the sixth to cut the Huskie lead to 3-1. The NIU offense exploded with nine runs in the top of the seventh to take a 12-1 lead.

Ashley Kopp (Burr Ridge, Ill./Hinsdale South) led off the inning with her first career triple. Six more Huskies reached base safely and five runs scored before the Golden Griffins recorded the first out of the inning. Tofft recorded her three RBIs in the nine-run inning, knocking in two with a single up the middle and driving in a third on hit by pitch. Gremillion was 2-for-2 in the inning with an RBI and a run scored.

Jessica Strum (Wichita, Kan./Goddard) improved to 2-1 on the season, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six in seven innings of work.

NIU returns to the diamond Tuesday night when the Huskies face Florida Gulf Coast. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.

-NIU-