The Kent State softball team (15-21, 5-6 Mid-American Conference) dropped two of three games against Northern Illinois University (18-15, 6-5 MAC).

“Overall, not very good,” coach Eric Oakley said of the team’s performance. “I’m happy with the run production. Unfortunately, we can’t get all three phases of the game to work together. Defense hurt us yesterday and pitching hurt us today.”

The Flashes led Northern Illinois University up until the fifth inning where it was tied at five.

In the eighth inning, sophomore utility Bailey Brownfield doubled to left center to score senior infielder Maddy Grimm and give the Flashes the walk-off win. 

“It was definitely nice,” Brownfield said. “With (Grimm) being on base it gave me an opportunity to put the ball in play. I knew that I needed to find a hole somewhere and luckily it was in a good spot so she (Grimm) was able to score.”

In the second game, The Flashes were down 7-1 going into the seventh inning. The team pulled within one run in the bottom of the sixth, however, as the Flashes scored five runs, three of which came on a Grimm home run. That was as far as the rally went, and the Flashes fell 7-6.

In the final game, Kent State lost 8-6.

In the first inning, junior outfielder Emily Dobbin and Grimm both hit home runs giving the Flashes a 2-0 lead, a lead the team held until the third inning, when the Huskies scored six runs.

Northern Illinois University intentionally walked Grimm the rest of the game.

“I mean it’s frustrating because hitting is a very fun part of the game for me,” Grimm said. “It’s hard for the hitters behind me, too, because I think that they put a lot of pressure on themselves. (Brownfield) has been handling it very well and Ronnie (Landine)’s been stepping up too. Having them support me when I get intentionally walked is very important.”

The Flashes face Ohio University at 2 p.m on Tues., March 12, in Athens, Ohio.

Samantha Ross is a sports reporter, contact her at [email protected].