Last Saturday was a bittersweet day. My friend Tony Feddeler and I attended the last softball game of the year as Northwestern hosted DePaul. The double header was part of Fall Ball, a series of exhibition games that serve as a preview for next season.

Northwestern won both games, but both were tight battles. The outcomes didn’t really matter, though. These games are meant as an introduction to the teams for next season. Of course, whenever DePaul plays Northwestern, there is always city pride on the line.

Defensive star Bridget Donahey.

The lineups looked much different from the last time I saw both teams in May. Gone were the seniors and grad students from last season. In their place was a new group of talented first-year players eager to earn playing time.

Between games we walked to Mustard’s Last Stand, next to the Northwestern campus. A local favorite, Mustard’s always serves an excellent burger and fries.

After the games we caught up with familiar faces and greeted the new crop of players. Both teams are coming off excellent seasons and look to be strong when the season starts next February.

Corey and Tori Meyer.

Our main meal was at Moretti’s, one of our favorites close to my home. Still fairly full from our lunch, we opted for light meals of sandwiches while we relaxed and watched college football on the many big screens.

While I am sad about the end of softball season, college basketball starts next month. I already circled Dec. 10 on my calendar for DePaul playing Northwestern in a must-see game. I hate the winter, but at least local college basketball will bridge the gap to softball.

— John Wroblewski, online writer