Softball Takes Doubleheader at Nothern Illinois

EVANSTON, Ill. -- The Northwestern softball team posted a pair of impressive victories Wednesday at regional rival Northern Illinois, winning both halves of a doubleheader, 1-0 and 4-2. NU improves to 28-15 overall, 9-7 in the Big Ten.

Northwestern got on the board in the top of the first in game one when Mikie Chambers scored on Kyla Hattabaugh's groundout. It turned out to be all the scoring NU would get or need as Jackie DeBoard was in total control on the mound. She threw a complete-game, four-hit shutout, striking out 12 and walking just three. With the win she improves to 18-5 on the year.

The Huskies took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth in game two before NU rallied for four runs in the top of the sixth. Jenn Shull hit a two-run double and Lindsey Prezell and Kyla Hattabaugh each knocked run-scoring doubles in the decisive inning. Jennie Beseres went the distance, giving up two runs on just three hits with three strikeouts.

NU travels to East Lansing, Mich., this weekend for a critical three-game series with Michigan State. The Spartans are in third place in the Big Ten with an 11-7 record, just one game ahead of fourth-place NU. Minnesota is fifth with an 8-7 conference mark, half a game behind the 'Cats. The top four teams qualify for the Big Ten Tournament.