Alexandra Wulbecker
The Northern Illinois University softball team looks to build on the success of last weekend’s 3-2 performance at Texas Tech when the Huskies travel to Colorado State for the Colorado State Classic from Friday, March 4, through Sunday, March 6.
“We improved from the plate quite a bit,” NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard said of her team’s performance last weekend. “The offense supported the pitchers the way they needed to be supported and we saw some good results.”
The Huskies (3-7) open the tournament with a doubleheader Friday facing Sacred Heart at 10 a.m. and the host Rams at 2:30 p.m.
NIU also has a pair of games Saturday, playing Santa Clara at 2:30 p.m. and Colorado State at 4:45 p.m. before closing out the tournament against Sacred Heart Sunday at 10 a.m. All times listed are Central. Fans can follow all the action for all five games live via Gametracker at csurams.com.
Northern Illinois’ offense came alive last weekend at the Jeannine McHaney Memorial Classic hosted by Texas Tech. As a team, the Huskies batted .336, well above their season average of .291.
“I think they’re adjusting well,” Chouinard said of the performance of the Huskie offense. “They’re sticking to their process and not getting frustrated by the opponent. They’re finding good pitches to hit and fouling pitches off when they need to.”
Sophomore Alexandra Wulbecker (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Hoffman Estates) led the way for NIU batting .455 with five hits in 11 at bats, including a double, home run and four RBIs in four games at designated player. Freshman Stephanie Tofft (Lincoln, Calif./Lincoln) was named to the all-tournament team after going 6-for-17 with three doubles and two RBI in five games.
Pitcher Morgan Bittner (Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach Poly) collected her first two wins of the season, allowing seven runs, all earned in three appearances. Also named to the all-tournament team, Bittner tallied 18 strikeouts in 18 innings. She was particularly impressive in a 3-0 shutout victory over Wichita State, limiting the Shockers to three hits, while striking out six.
For more information on NIU softball and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
