NIU is going Duck hunting today as the University of Oregon challenges the Huskies at Normal.

“Every match is going to be pretty tough,” said head coach Chuck Merzbacher. “It may come down to the doubles, and that’s what we’re doing well right now.”

Up to this point, the Huskies have only played in tournaments which were individual. This is the first time this year the Huskies will compete as a team against an opponent, Merzbacher said.

“The team is really excited about this,” Merzbacher said.

Merzbacher’s club is the favorite, but the coach knows Oregon isn’t a pushover.

“They beat Bowling Green State 8-1 last year, and we beat Bowling Green State 7-2, so it should be tight.”

One advantage the Huskies may have is the wind.

“They’re coming down here to play, and we’ve been practicing in this wind and are used to it,” Merzbacher said.