April 13, 2009

DEKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois University softball team embarks on a seven-game road trip when the Huskies travel to Macomb, Ill. for a doubleheader with Western Illinois Tuesday.

The Huskies (11-25) head into Tuesday's games looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Western Michigan Sunday. Despite the loss, the one bright spot for NIU was the pitching of freshman Morgan Bittner (Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach). She allowed one run on four hits, while striking out seven in seven innings.

"Morgan has done a great job for us," NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard said. "She is hitting her spots and trusting her wrist. Her ability to change planes and speeds is what makes her successful."

Northern Illinois will need another solid performance from Bittner to be successful Tuesday. Western Illinois (17-15) comes into play, winners of five of its last six. The Westerwinds swept Southern Utah over the weekend, scoring in double digits in all three games.

After their doubleheader with WIU, the Huskies will travel to Muncie, Ind. for a doubleheader with Ball State Friday and then continue on to Oxford, Ohio for a weekend set with Miami (OH) Saturday and Sunday.

First pitch for the Huskies and Westerwinds is set for 3 p.m. at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium.

-NIU-