MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – The Northern Illinois University Softball team suffered a 2-1 setback Central Michigan in the series opener at Margo Jonker Stadium Friday afternoon.
 
"We did a nice job getting runners on every inning and putting the pressure on, we just couldn't get the clutch hit when we needed it," said NIU head coach Christina Sutcliffe. "When you're playing the top team in the conference, you can't give then runs defensively. We are right there. We just need to clean it up a little bit and fight tomorrow."
 
The Huskie (21-17, 9-7) offense as held in check by Central Michigan (29-12, 12-4) pitcher Rachel Knapp. NIU was held to just three hits on the day and scored its lone run of the game in the top of the seventh.
 
Kali Kossakowski (Elgin, Ill./St. Edward) led the way for the Huskies at the plate. The Huskie senior went 2-for-4 from the leadoff spot. Bekah Harnish (Maple Park, Ill./Burlington Central) drove in Jenny Van Geertry (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way East), who tallied the Huskies' third hit of the day on a double down the left field line, with a sacrifice fly to center field.
 
The Chippewas took advantage of the Huskie defense Friday, scoring both of their runs on errors.
 
Central Michigan's Lacy Tolfree reached on an error to lead off the game, but was quickly erased attempting to steal. However, the next batter, Allison Curtis reached safely on the second Huskie error of the inning. A single and a fly ball to advanced Curtis to third with two outs. She then came around to score on a single through the left side.
 
The Huskies had a scoring chance in the top of the fourth. Harnish walked and then stole second. She advanced to third when Kayti Grable (Santee, Calif./Santana) reached and advanced to second on a Chippewas error. Unfortunately for NIU, Alaynie Woolllard (New Castle, Ind./New Castle) struck out swinging.
 
The Chippewas added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth, again, capitalizing on a Huskie error. With two on and two outs, Tolfree stole third and advanced to home on the errant pickoff throw.
 
Keegan Hayes (Naperville, Ill./Naperville) fell to 5-3, allowing two runs, both unearned, on five hits in four innings of work.
 
NIU returns to the field Saturday when the Huskies wrap up their series with Central Michigan in doubleheader action. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT with the second game to follow. Live stats will be available on NIUHuskies.com.
 
-NIU-