MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – The big inning proved too much for the Northern Illinois University softball team as the Huskies dropped the series finale with Central Michigan 15-7 at Margo Yonker Stadium on Sunday.
A 10-run first inning by the Chippewas (7-19, 5-11) put NIU (12-24, 6-14) in an early hole.
Kira Mickelson provided the big highlight for Huskies as the NIU senior blasted a grand slam in the top of the second with two outs and two strikes. Unfortunately for the Huskies, Central Michigan came back with four runs of its own in the bottom of the inning.
Mickelson drove in another run as part of a three-run fourth for NIU. With two on and two out, she doubled to center to drive in
Kara Apato.
Amberly Rodriguez doubled to left to clear the bases and cut the deficit in half, 14-7.
However, Central Michigan added a run in the bottom of the fourth, held NIU in the top of the fifth for the victory.
Mickelson went 2-for-2 on the day with five RBIs and two runs scored.
The Huskies return to the diamond Friday, April 23 when NIU welcomes Akron to Mary M. Bell Field for a four-game set. Fans can watch all the games on NIUTube or follow via live stats on NIUHuskies.com.
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