DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University softball team suffered a 7-6 setback to Central Michigan in the series opener at Margo Jonker Stadium Friday.

The big inning proved costly for NIU (22-22, 7-8) as the Chippewas (18-21-1, 8-4-1) jumped out to an early 5-1 lead after scoring two runs in the first and three more in the second.

In the second inning, an RBI double by Abby Howlett (South Elgin, Ill./St. Charles North) plated Kira Mickelson (Wheatland, Wis./Westosha), who reached on an error, for the Huskies' first run of the game. In the third, a solo homer by Sam Schmidt (Lombard, Ill./Willowbrook) pulled NIU to within three.

NIU pulled to within a run with a two runs in the top of the fifth, with both coming with two outs. Anne Allen (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way North) began the rally when she reached on a fielder's choice. Katie Keller (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) then drove her in with her 18th double of the season to drive in Allen.

A Mickelson triple to right field scored Keller, making the score, 5-4, in favor of Central Michigan. However, the Chippewas got both runs back in the bottom of the frame to take a 7-4 advantage to the sixth.

The Huskies had a chance to put some runs on the board in the top of the sixth and the seventh innings. NIU loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth, but Allen popped up to the second baseman to end the threat. The Huskies loaded the bases again with two outs in the seventh. Unfortunately for NIU, Jenny Van Geertry (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) also popped up to second base, this time ending the game.

The Huskies return to the field Saturday when NIU and Central Michigan conclude their series with a doubleheader. First pitch for game one is set for 12 p.m., with game two to follow.

-NIU-