ATHENS, Ohio – A five-run fifth by Ohio proved too much to overcome as the Northern Illinois University softball team dropped the series finale, 8-4, at Ohio Softball Field Saturday afternoon.

After falling behind 2-0 after Ohio (24-11, 5-1) scored a run in the first and another in the fourth, the Huskies (15-17, 2-3) tied the game in the top of the fifth. With two out and Jenny Van Geertry (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way East), who reached on a one-out double, on second, Katie Keller (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) delivered a double to left field to drive in Van Geertry.

Keller scored the tying run when Bianca Barone (Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem) reached on an error on the Bobcat shortstop.

Unfortunately for the Huskies, Ohio's bats came alive in the bottom of the inning as the Bobcats put up a five spot. Morgan Geno delivered the big blow in the inning. With two runners in and two on with one out, she hit a home run to centerfield to give the Bobcats the 7-2 lead.

Ohio added another run in the bottom of the sixth to extend its lead to 8-2. NIU mounted a late rally in the top of the seventh. With runners at second and third, Barone drove in Van Geertry on a sacrifice fly, then Kira Mickelson (Wheatland, Wis./Westosha Central) singled to center to drive in Keller.

"Today's game was a tough loss," said NIU head coach Christina Sutcliffe. "Our hitters did a great job making adjustments. We just couldn't get the ball to fall our way. Kenzie did a really nice job for us in the circle this weekend."

The Huskies return to action Tuesday when NIU welcomes Ball State to Mary M. Bell Field. First pitch for game one of the doubleheader is set for at 1 p.m. Central Time.

-NIU-