If there are two things the NIU and Buffalo softball teams have in common, it’s that they know how to lose games.

Each team will have a prime opportunity to pick up a win Friday, as the two square off in DeKalb for a doubleheader. The first game is slated for 1 p.m.

NIU (6-19 overall, 0-4 MAC) broke its 16-game losing streak Wednesday with a 3-1 win over Western Illinois.

“Winning that game proves we can do it,” NIU pitcher Kate Greenough said. “We know we’re capable.”

Buffalo (3-19, 1-3) also snapped a big losing streak last week, ending an 11-game skid.

NIU will have a prime opportunity to put some runs on the board against the Bulls, who allow more than eight runs a game.

The Huskies have struggled offensively this season and are averaging just over two runs a game. Their biggest offensive output this season came during a 9-6 loss to Western Illinois at the back end of Wednesday’s doubleheader. In that game, shortstop Michelle Nendza had a two-RBI double.

“It was big scoring those runs at the end of the game,” Greenough said. “Even though we lost, it still is a positive.”

Nendza has been an offensive force this season for NIU. The junior is tied for the MAC home-run lead with seven dingers. She also has 19 RBIs.

Unfortunately for the Huskies, Buffalo may be the least of their worries; on Saturday and Sunday, Kent State will visit for two games. The Golden Flashes lead the MAC with a 24-8 record, including 7-1 in conference.

KSU is riding a seven-game winning streak. During the streak, the Golden Flashes pitching has tossed four shutouts, which will likely pose a problem for NIU hitters.

The ace on its staff has been senior Gabrielle Burns. The righty is 11-3 with a 1.05 ERA. The Golden Flashes also have a sophomore who has held her own in Kylie Reynolds. The pitcher is 12-4 with a 1.81 ERA for the season.

Kent State has also been strong at the plate, as it contains one of the MAC’s biggest threats in shortstop Jessica Toocheck.

The senior has 26 RBIs this season to go along with 19 runs and 14 walks.

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