The NIU softball team has a simple goal.

“Our team goal this year is to win the (North Star) conference,” head coach Dee Abrahamson said.

Plain and simple.

The journey towards that goal starts Sunday in DeKalb against the Indiana St. Sycamores at noon. Although the starting lineups weren’t available as of press-time, Abrahamson said that she needs to see cohesion between the new faces and the veterans in order to achieve successful results.

“Our biggest move from a coaching standpoint will be to get everyone some playing time in competitive situations,” Abrahamson said.

“We need to find out where our strengths are; we’re not quite sure where everyone is going to play just yet. I need to see variety in order to find out how comfortable the players will be at certain positions.”

Abrahamson went on to say that she is impressed with the progress of the freshmen and various walk-ons that have taken the practice field—noting that they’ll play a key role in Sunday afternoon’s ballgame.

“Most of the new girls will have to use their natural athletic ability because they’re going to see things they have never seen before,” Abrahamson said.

“Veterans or not, you’ll basically see everybody play this weekend.”