CHICAGO – Paige McQueen went 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored, but the Northern Kentucky softball team dropped the opener of a three-game Horizon League series at UIC, 7-1.
 
After UIC (24-14, 10-2 Horizon) opened a six-run advantage through the first two innings, Northern Kentucky (9-28, 2-7 Horizon) broke into the scoring column in the visitor's half of the third.
 
McQueen got things started with a single back up the middle and moved into scoring position at third following Nicolette Hayes' sacrifice bunt in which UIC pitcher Elaine Heflin threw away. McQueen scored on Jordan Harbecek's groundout.
 
UIC tacked on an insurance run in the fourth for a 7-1 advantage.
 
The Norse looked to rally in the top of the seventh. Kate Bartolovich drew a one-out walk and promptly stole second to give the Norse a runner in scoring position. She later tried to score on McQueen's single to right field, but was called out at the plate.
 
Jordan Harbacek (5-10) took the loss after surrendering six runs, only three of which were earned, on eight hits. Ashlynn Roberts entered and pitched an efficient final four innings, allowing one run on four hits and a walk.
 
Bartolovich and Zahrya McFarland each added hits in the game for the Norse.
 
Heflin picked up the win for UIC, moving to 15-5 on the year. Taylor Cairns and Skylee James paced the Flames offense with two RBIs each.
 
The series concludes with a twinbill set to start at 1 p.m. (ET) on Saturday.
 
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