Traveling to Iowa on Wednesday the NIU softball team had hopes of ending its nine game losing streak.

The Hawkeyes had other ideas. Using strong pitching, and taking advantage of a struggling Huskie offense, Iowa swept the doubleheader 8-0, 1-0.

“The offense didn’t come to play today,” said NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard. “You can’t win if you don’t score.”

The Huskies (5–13) struggled at the plate in both games. NIU managed two hits between the two games.
NIU shortstop Krista McPherson broke up a no–hitter in the first game. With two outs in the top of the sixth inning the senior produced the Huskies’ only hit of the game. After six innings the game was called due to the eight–run mercy rule.

Iowa (20-10) outfielder Quinn Morelock led the Hawkeye offense in the first game. The junior went 2-2 with a home run and 2 RBIs. Hawkeye pitcher Brittany Weil picked up her 12th win of the season on a complete game 1–hitter. Kate Greenough took the loss for NIU.

While the Huskies’ offense continued their struggles in the second game, the pitching staff kept it close. NIU pitcher Taryn Hagemann came in relief of Greenough with one out in the fourth inning and Iowa leading 1-0. Hagemann held the Hawkeyes hitless the rest of the game while walking only one batter.

However, NIU’s offense could not produce, as Iowa pitcher Amanda Zust gave up one hit and no walks in the complete game win. Greenough picked up her second loss of the day for the Huskies.

“In the second game the pitchers kept us in the game,” Chouinard said. “But two hits in two games won’t get it done.”

The Huskies will break out of the non-conference schedule against Eastern and Central Michigan this weekend. The games marks the beginning of MAC play for NIU.

However, the Huskies face another Big Ten opponent in their home opener on April 1, against Northwestern University.

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