SAN DIEGO – The Northern Illinois University softball team suffered a 2-1 setback in eight innings to Middle Tennessee on the final day of the 29th Annual Campbell/Cartier Classic hosted by San Diego State Sunday.
The Huskies (6-4), which scored 13 runs against Middle Tennessee yesterday, were held in check by Blue Raider pitcher Amber Baldwin. NIU was held to just one run on three hits.
"Their pitcher threw a really nice game against us and we didn't do a good enough job of adjusting," said NIU head coach Christina Sutcliffe. "Unfortunately we couldn't get the big hit when we needed it throughout the game. We are happy with how we played this weekend and we continue to see growth. Every game is a chance for us to learn and get better."
NIU struck first, scoring a run on a Sam Schmidt (Lombard, Ill./Willowbrook) double to right center in the bottom of the first. Middle Tennessee responded with a solo home run in the top of the sixth to tie the game.
The Huskies had an opportunity to win the game in the bottom of the sixth with runners at second and third and two outs. Unfortunately for NIU, Baldwin coaxed a groundout to second to end threat and the inning.
With a runner at third and one out, the Blue Raiders scored the game-winning run on an error by Dominique Greeno (Lacey, Wash./North Thurston).
The Huskies return to the diamond Friday when NIU travels to Houston, Texas to compete in the Houston Challenge. The Huskies open the tournament against Kennesaw State at 10:30 a.m. CT.
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