DEKALB, Ill. – A split weekend sees the NIU women's soccer team travel to Ball State on Thursday, March 18, before returning home to host Central Michigan on Sunday, March 21. Kickoff on Thursday in Muncie is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT and will be available on ESPN3 while Sunday's match against the Chippewas is slated for 3 p.m. CT and will be available on Huskie All-Access.

NIU (1-2-0, 1-2-0 MAC) returns to action following a 3-0 setback against Eastern Michigan this past Sunday (March 14). Junior Julia Lentz (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) and senior Megan Donnally (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield North) split time in goal against the Eagles, with both Huskie goalkeepers recording six saves. 

For the season, Lentz have a .857 save percentage while Donnally has posted a .818 save percentage. The duo have combined for the fourth-best save percentage in the Mid-American Conference. 

Ball State comes into Thursday's matchup with a 1-1-1 record after playing to a scoreless draw last time out against Western Michigan (March 12). Tatiana Mason has two goals this season to lead the Cardinals in scoring while Maitane Bravo has played every minute in goal for Ball State, posting a 0.60 goals against average and a .778 save percentage. 

Central Michigan enters the week with a 2-1 record and will host Western Michigan on Thursday (March 18) before traveling to DeKalb on Sunday. Natalie Belsito has scored a team-high three goals for the Chippewas while Allison Lapoint has played all three matches in goal and has a .750 save percentage and a 1.29 goals against average. 

Members of the general public are now welcome to attend NIU home soccer matches with capacity of the NIU Soccer Complex limited to 20 percent, or just under 400 total. Sunday's contest will also be streamed live on Huskie All-Access on NIUHuskies.com. Subscriptions are available for $6.95 (24-hour pass), $10.95 (monthly recurring subscription) or $89.95 (annual).