Softball | March 11

DeKALB, Ill.—Opening the home portion of their season, the Northern Illinois University softball team will host Buffalo in a three-game series, March 13-14 at Mary M. Bell Field. Friday (March 13) will feature a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. with the final game of the series set for 1 p.m. on March 14.
 
Admission is free to Mary M. Bell Field as fans are encouraged to "Wear Red" this weekend for the home opener.
 
Stats and live video will be provided via NIUHuskies.com
 
NIU won last year's series by taking two of three games, highlighted by a pair of records, a team mark with 20 RBIs and an individual record from Jenna Turner (Marengo, Ill./Marengo) with five runs scored in a single game. The Huskies hold the series record at 32-18 ahead of the final conference meeting between the schools.
 
At the plate, Danielle Stewart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) leads the team with an average of .441 and is joined by Turner with 15 hits. Turner is averaging .375 at the plate as four other Huskies are .333 or above on the year. Stewart has scored 13 runs while Mia Morera (Simi Valley, Calif./Westlake) has 12 RBIs on the year. NIU pitchers' have combined for 55 strikeouts this season, led by 20 from Madison Carlson (South Beloit, Ill./South Beloit).
 
The Bulls of Buffalo enter this weekend with a record of 7-14 and won their last two games.  Emily Gorman leads the Bulls with a .394 average, 26 hits, 12 stolen bases, and six doubles. The Bulls have three additional athletes who are hitting at .315 or above as they enter the weekend. Reagan Terwilliger leads the team with 21 runs while Bella Smithson leads the team with four home runs. Olivia Russ leads the team in the circle with an ERA of 5.68 and 20 strikeouts.
 
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