Softball: Northwestern splits four-game series with Illinois

Last weekend, Northwestern’s softball team split a four-game series vs. their in-state rivals in the University of Illinois.

On Friday, despite the ‘Cats being able to pull within two after the Illini jumped out to a 4-0 lead, they would not find the scoreboard after that, and ultimately fell 4-2. However, as a bright spot amid the loss, Junior Pitcher Danielle Williams was able to recorded 10 strikeouts on the day.

The ‘Cats bounced back in a big way, winning the first game of the Saturday double-header in walk-off fashion thanks to graduate student Morgan Newport. Newport’s two-run homer brought the final score to 7-6, completing an incredible comeback for Northwestern, as the team again rallied back from a 4-0 Illinois lead.

Additionally in the opening Saturday win, sophomore pitcher (and Inside NU staffer!!!) Sydney Supple was strong in relief, allowing only one hit over two innings. Junior shortstop Maeve Nelson’s home run began the ‘Cats’ offensive rally that ultimately overtook the Illini.

The second game of the Saturday doubleheader unfortunately did not go in Northwestern’s favor, with a final score of 4-3 in favor of their opponents. Newport hit another two-run shot to bring the ‘Cats within one backed by a run from senior Rachel Lewis, but in the end, NU dropped the second game of the double-header.

On Sunday, the ‘Cats pulled off a win to split the series 2-2 with a 6-3 victory. Yet again rallying from behind, Nelson brought in a double that turned into another two-run home run, this time from freshman Hannah Cady. Pitcher Danielle Williams also added in a line drive that scored another, and was also dominant on the pitching side, adding ten strikeouts and bringing her pitching record on the season to 14-4.

Northwestern remains third in the Big Ten Standings, still trailing the conference’s leaders in Minnesota and Michigan. The ‘Cats will take on the Purdue Boilermakers in a four game set this weekend in West Lafayette, Indiana.