DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University Softball team opens a five-game homestand when the Huskies face Valparaiso in a midweek doubleheader at Mary M. Bell Field Wednesday.
 
First pitch for game one of the Huskies (22-18) and Crusaders (24-16) is set for 2 p.m. CT, with the second game to follow. Live stats will be available for both games one NIUHuskies.com and fans can watch all the action live through NIUTube at NIUHuskies.com. Prices range from $6.95 for a 24-hour pass, $10.95 for a monthly subscription and $89.95 for a yearly pass. Sign up today at NIUHuskies.com.
 
The two schools have split their last four games with each team sweeping a doubleheader. This is the first meeting between NIU and Valpo since April 14, 2015, a doubleheader sweep by the Huskies at Mary M. Bell Field. Valparaiso swept the Huskies in 2014.
 
The Huskies return home after a 3-3, six-game road trip. NIU took its series over Western Michigan, and played well at Central Michigan, but lost the series, 2-1. Wednesday's games give the Huskies a chance to get better and prepare for this weekend's series with Eastern Michigan.
 
"Anytime we're on the field with the chance to get better is important to us," said NIU head coach Christina Sutcliffe. "We just need to focus in and try to sharpen up a couple areas defensively and keep our rhythm in the box hitting."
 
While Wednesday gives the Huskies a chance to improve in live game situations, it also keeps the players in a softball rhythm.
 
"I think it's a rhythm thing for them," Sutcliffe said. "When you play a midweek, it's a chance to stay in the rhythm of playing games and what that does to your body. It helps the pitchers to see live hitters in that intensity. So, they're nice from that standpoint. At the same time, they wear you out a little bit. It's the Yin and the Yang."
 
With inclement weather in the forecast for Wednesday, be sure to check NIUHuskies.com, and the Twitter accounts @NIUAthletics and @NIUSoftball for any updates to tomorrow's schedule.
 
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