DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University softball team split its non-conference twin bill with Valparaiso Tuesday at Mary M. Bell Field. The Huskies fell 3-0 in game one, but picked up the pieces for a 7-1 triumph in the DH closer.

"It was disappointing not to come out with the sweep on the day, but to be able to bounce-back and grab the second game is super important for us," said head NIU coach Christina Sutcliffe. "We just need to do a better job of making adjustments. We're kind of letting somebody beat us the same way a couple times through the lineup. So hopefully we can fix that up for this weekend and continue to roll forward,"

Game One | Valpo 3, NIU 0
With NIU's (18-18, 8-6 MAC) bats lacking in the opener, starting Huskie pitcher Lily Cassell (LaGrange, Ohio/Keystone) kept Valpo in check and never let the game get away from NIU. Valparaiso (5-29, 2-12) however did just enough on offense to log the win.

The Beacons notched an RBI single in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead on NIU early. Later in the top of the third frame with two outs and runners on the corners, NIU caught the runner on first in a rundown. The baserunner on third however was able to reach home plate in the chaos, giving Valparaiso a 2-0 advantage.

With Claire Norred (Tipton, Ind./Tipton) in to relieve Cassell in the seventh, the Beacons' final run of the game came with an RBI single to center field. In its last chance to tie or take the lead, NIU went down in order, sealing its 3-0 fate.

Notes

• NIU scored no runs on one hit and had one error
• Valpo scored three runs off six hits and had one error
• Shumaker had NIU's sole hit and stolen bag of the game
• Danielle Stewart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) had a team-high six putouts at first base

Game Two | NIU 7, Valpo 1
The Huskies shook off the game one loss and delivered a big 7-1 win to have the last say in the affair. After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, NIU exploded for seven unanswered runs through the remainder of the contest while Emily Dato (Munster, Ind./Munster) tossed a gem in the circle.

Cara Cruthers (Bartlett, Ill./South Elgin) kicked off the action in the bottom of the first with an RBI single to left center, scoring Kelly Walinski (Worth, Ill./Marist) who reached after doubling to left.

In the second frame, Emma Giese (Kenosha, Wis./Indian Trail) drew a walk before Caitlyn Shumaker (Bellefontaine, Ohio/Bellefontaine) drilled a triple to left field, scoring Giese with ease.

The Huskies went up 5-1 in the third thanks to Fiona Crane's (Evergreen Park, Ill./Mother McAuley) RBI double and Izzy Smith's (Elmhurst, Ill./York) two RBI single through the right side, scoring Crane and Cruthers.

Stewart blasted a solo dinger in the first at-bat of the bottom of the fifth inning before, in the sixth, Kacie Quick (Bloomington, Ill./Normal West) solidified NIU's 7-1 win with an RBI double.

Notes

• The Huskies scored seven runs off eight hits and had no errors
• Valpo scored one run off five hits and had one error
• Eight Huskies posted one hit in the game
• Smith led at the dish with two RBI
• Dato (W, 4-1) logged a career-high six Ks in the circle, tossing six scoreless innings
  • Today was her first complete game win of the season
  • Only two of her hits went for extra bases

"I think Emily Dato came out and kind of shut them down. She did a really nice job throwing six scoreless innings. It was a great outing for her,"

Up Next
NIU stays home and plays hosts to league-leading Ohio (22-16, 12-4 MAC) this weekend at Mary M. Bell Field. The two teams will start the three-game series with a doubleheader Saturday (April 15) with start times at 1/3 p.m. CT. The action will close with a single game Sunday (April 16) at noon. After Sunday's game, the program will recognize and honor its senior class for their hard work and dedication to Huskie softball!

"This team's goal is to get to the MAC Tournament, if not win the regular season. We still have a chance to do that, and Ohio is the one we're chasing. We've got to do some damage this weekend. That's what we're hoping to do and Senior Day's always more fun with a win!"