Softball | April 20

DeKALB, Ill.—Hosting their final midweek game, the Northern Illinois University Huskies softball team is set to welcome the Northwestern University Wildcats to Mary M. Bell Field on April 21. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. with free admission and fans are encouraged to "Wear Black" for the game.
 
The Huskies (21–12, 14–5 MAC) took two games from Bowling Green before the third game of the series was cancelled due to weather. NIU opened the doubleheader with its first shutout victory of the season, a 9–0 win in five innings and followed it with a 3–1 triumph in the second game.
 
In their most recent home appearance, the Huskies split a doubleheader with Bradley. The second game against the Braves was a historic one, as NIU set two single-game program records: most runs scored (21) and most runs batted in (21). The Huskies also made NCAA history on April 11, 2026 with two grand slams in the same inning against Kent State, becoming only the 17^th program to achieve that feat.
 
Danielle Stewart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) is in the top-10 in the nation for batting average (.500) and in doubles per game. Stewart has recorded 51 hits this season, seven home runs, 14 doubles, and 37 RBIs to lead NIU. Izzi Hanna (Granger, Ind./Penn) is making the most of her debut season, with an average of .404, 38 hits, and 25 runs. Six additional Huskies are hitting at .313 or above.
 
In the circle, Madison Carlson (South Beloit, Ill./South Beloit) leads the way with a 2.70 ERA, second in the conference. Carlson has five complete games, nine wins, and 49 strikeouts this season while holding opponents to .241 average.
 
Northwestern (23-19, 11-7 Big Ten) enters the week on a six-game winning streak, including a sweeps over Penn State and Michigan State. Emma Raye leads the Wildcats at the plate, going .412) with 49 hits this season. She is joined by Kaylie Avvisato at .344 as the top-2 batters for Northwestern. In the circle, Marina Mason leads the team with a 2.28 ERA, five shutout wins, 10 complete games, and 128 strikeouts.
 
Following their midweek action, NIU returns to conference play as they hit the road for their final conference series at Western Michigan. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. on April 24 with a doubleheader set for April 25 at 12 p.m. CT. NIU has already claimed a spot in the upcoming Mid-American Conference tournament, May 6-9, in Akron, Ohio.
 
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