CMU softball splits expedited doubleheader at home
Central Michigan University senior right-handed pitcher Mackenze Langan celebrates after striking out a Northern Illinois player during the first game of the Central Michigan University versus Northern Illinois doubleheader at Margo Jonker Stadium on Friday, April 3, 2026. (CM-Life | Mark Hoover)
After having their game Tuesday postponed, the Central Michigan softball team faced Northern Illinois twice in a doubleheader at Margo Jonker Stadium.
The Chippewas split the games, dropping the first 5-1 before bouncing back for an 8-1 win in the second.
Simultaneously, the CMU athletics department hosted an autism awareness event during the games.
“I love the opportunity and the chance for us to celebrate autism awareness, and we are people that are inclusive of everybody,” CMU head coach McCall Salmon said. “They bring different elements to our players, and we have different passions and connections, and just want everyone to feel included and comfortable here at MJS.
“Glad we could provide for anyone that chooses to attend.”
The games themselves had their own different element.
In the second inning of the second game, CMU had runners on first and second with no outs. Sophomore Asley Bila was called to bunt. She was thrown out at first, but both runners advanced.
With two players in scoring position, junior Rachel Cairo hit a line drive to left field, scoring both runners and giving the Chippewas a 3-1 lead.
“A lot of them have different tools in their toolbox that we know they can be successful in certain areas,” Salmon said. “So if we see something, we’re going to try and take advantage of it.”
That rally helped lift the Chippewas to the 8-1 win in game two.
“Shifting into game two, I just told them, ‘We have to respond and keep doing what we’re doing,’ and they accepted the challenge,” Salmon said.
The first game, a 5-1 loss, was still well executed, she said.
“They executed in key situations,” Salmon said. “I was happy with our performance on the mound, defensively and offensively; we just didn’t get the key hit.”
Overall, she said she was pleased to come away with a split.
In addition to Tuesday’s postponed game, the Chippewas moved their Saturday doubleheader up a day due to weather concerns. Salmon said that should not affect them much.
“They’ve been adapting to weather and schedule changes their entire lives, and it’s just something we do,” she said. “We’re used to it, so whenever game time is called, we’re going to be ready.”
With these being the eighth and ninth games of conference play, Salmon said she still sees room for improvement.
“I think we can always improve in little areas,” she said. “We’ve talked about winning every series. You win every series, you’re going to put yourself in a good spot entering the tournament.”
The Chippewas will play the Huskies one more time at 1 p.m. Sunday at Margo Jonker Stadium.
