Grant Montgomery
Student Intern

MEMPHIS – The Northern Illinois University softball team concluded play in the Blues City Classic by falling to Northwestern State, 4-3, on Sunday morning at the Tiger's Softball Complex.
 
The sixth inning proved to be the difference in the contest as the Lady Demons scored three runs in the frame to break a 1-1 tie. 
 
The Huskies (5-10) opened the game's scoring in the bottom of the second inning.  Carley Goetschius began the inning by doubling down the left field line. After the next two Huskie batters were retired in order, Bianca Barone notched an RBI single to bring home Goetschius. 
 
Sam Mallinder got the starting nod on the circle from head coach Christina Sutcliffe on Sunday morning. Mallinder cruised through the first three innings before allowing a run in the fourth.  She was replaced in the sixth inning by Delaney Ostrowski after issuing a leadoff walk.  Ostrowski allowed three runs in the frame with the big blow coming from Kat Marshall, who hit a two-run home run. 
 
Mallinder allowed two runs while scattering four hits and walking three batters across five innings of work.
 
The Huskies did all they could to try and come from behind in the final two innings.  Katie Keller started off the sixth inning with a leadoff single and then reached second base on a wild pitch.  Later that inning, Goetschius sent a two run homer out to center field.  Goetschius finished the game with two hits, two runs scored, and two RBI.
 
The seventh inning was all but routine as the Huskies opened the frame when Barrone reached on a fielding error by the NSU shortstop.  Barrone was then lifted for Hannah Goerke as a pinch runner.  NIU ran into some tough luck when Maddie Mackey lined into a double play. Now with two outs in the inning, Kara Apato singled, which was followed by an Anne Allen walk.  Unfortunately, the Huskies were unable to take advantage of the opportunity. 
 
"We just need to go back to the basics and fundamentals," Sutcliffe said. "This team never quits and I still have high hopes for them."
 
NIU is back in action March 6 when the Huskies travel to Carbondale, Ill. for to compete in the SIU Tournament.  The Huskies open the tournament with a rematch against Western Illinois.
 
-NIU-