MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – The Northern Illinois University softball team lost its doubleheader with Central Michigan at Margo Yonker Stadium on Saturday.
 
NIU (12-23, 6-13) suffered a 5-2 setback in the first game of the day with the Chippewas (4-19, 2-11) before falling 10-9 in eight innings in the nightcap.
 
The Huskie offense was held in check in game one as the one through five hitters went a combined 0-14. NIU's defense and pitching were unable to pick up for the Huskie offense as NIU committed five errors. Starter Delaney Ostrowski allowed five runs, three earned, on eight hits and two walks.
 
Central Michigan jumped out to an 8-1 lead inbgame two through the first three innings with three runs in the first, two in the second and three more in the third. However, NIU's offense responded with a five spot in the fourth.
 
Back-to-back one out walks setting the table for leadoff hitter Kara Apato. The Huskie junior singled up the middle to give the Huskies their second run of the game. Kelly Walinski then cleared the bases with a double to left field to cut the deficit in half. Katie Keller pulled NIU to within two with a homer, her sixth of the season.
 
NIU tied the game in the sixth on a two-RBI double by Carley Goetschius and took a 9-8 lead in the seventh on an RBI single by Walinski to right. However, the Chippewas responded with a run in the seventh and the game winner in the bottom of the eighth.
 
Walinksi led the way for the Huskies in the second game going 4-for-4 with three RBIs, two runs scored and a walk. Keller and Goetschius drove in two runs on the day with Keller going 2-for-4.
 
The Huskies conclude their series with Central Michigan with a single game on Sunday. Fans can find all the information to follow this weekend's games on NIUHuskies.com.
 
-NIU-