Ohio (17-10 overall) will host Northern Illinois for its first home series starting Friday. The Bobcats are coming off a losing series at Toledo. Senior third baseman Shelby Westler batted .700 versus Toledo and had seven hits, including two doubles, four RBI, and three runs scored, leading the team.
Despite the efforts of Westler and some of the other veteran Bobcats on the team, the opening MAC series against the Rockets was a bit of a disappointment, as Ohio dropped two of three in Northwest Ohio.
The series loss against Toledo was disappointing in context, as Ohio had a great start to its season, going 16-8 throughout the non-conference schedule to open the year. The last non-conference was also very successful, as Ohio went 4-1 in the Catamount Classic, defeating Penn and Robert Morris two times apiece.
The Huskies are coming off a series win at home versus Buffalo, where they outscored the Bulls 40-26. Through the double header, freshman outfielder Izzi Hanna went five for eight on the day with four runs and four RBI. Sophomore outfielder Lia Nance went four for four in the third game with two runs and an RBI.
Game information:
Opponent: Northern Illinois
Time: Friday at 3 p.m.
Location: Ohio Softball Field (Athens, Ohio)
Where to watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here.
Get to know the opponent:
Head coach: Kathryn Gleason (second season)
Statistical leaders:
Batting average: Danielle Stewart (.467)
Hits: Stewart (21)
Home runs: Stewart and Mia Morera (3)
RBIs: Stewart (17)
Innings pitched: Madison Carlson (30.2)
Strikeouts: Carlson (23)
ERA: Taylor Mackin (3.00)
Northern Illinois notes:
Senior Danielle Stewart, who leads in many offensive statistics, also does well on the mound. She pitched earlier in the season against Bradley for two innings, giving up just one run and one walk, while striking out three. In the same game, she went two for three at the plate with a walk.
The Bobcats will likely face pitcher Madison Carlson, a graduate student who leads in strikeouts and innings pitched, this series. She pitched a total of 10 innings versus Buffalo, giving up nine runs, 13 hits and five walks. Her overall ERA is 3.88.
Northern Illinois has only played 15 games so far this season, which is fewer than the number of wins Ohio has so far. The Bobcats have played nearly twice as many games as the Huskies so far this season. It will be interesting to see if the extra experience Ohio has gotten this season will lead to some important bounce-back wins in the MAC.
