AKRON, Ohio – The Northern Illinois University softball team couldn't overcome a rough start in its 4-3 loss to the University of Akron in Mid-American Conference play Sunday.

The Zips plated four runs on three hits in the first inning, including a three-run double from their No. 7 hitter as they earned a three-game sweep and their sixth win in the last seven games.

"The first inning was tough, but we stayed with it and knew we could come back," Huskies head coach Christina Sutcliffe said. "We were one hit away from making that come back but just couldn't come up with it. One hit won for them and we couldn't get it back."

The Huskies methodically worked their way back into it however with two runs in the fifth. After both Sam Mallinder and Maddie Mackey, who pinch ran for Kara Apato (walk), reached base, senior Katie Keller roped a two-run double to left field. Prior to that, the pitching combination of Claire Norred and Emily Dato held the Zips to two hits and stranded four runners on base.

"Our pitchers held their own today and this weekend," Sutcliffe said. "We were able to get out of a couple of tough jams and Claire and Dato settled in and did well. Hopefully they can take that confidence in against Ball State this week."

NIU trimmed the deficit to one in the top of the seventh when Apato walked, advanced to third on a fielding error and scored on Keller's sacrifice fly to center field, but the Huskies unfortunately stranded two runners on base to end the inning.

"We need to focus on quality at bats right now," Sutcliffe said. "We got out of that this weekend and need to get back to it and being disciplined at the plate."

Norred and Dato each tossed three innings, and combined to strike out four batters while walking two for the Huskies (8-15, 2-6), who resume play in less than 48 hours when they welcome Ball State for a three-game weekday series beginning Tuesday with a 3 p.m. contest.

"I think getting delayed a day (against Akron) will definitely wear on our bodies but that's the season," Sutcliffe said. "We just need to figure out how to recoup in the next 24 hours and start getting prepped for Ball State and push through it."

-NIU-