Friday will mark the opening of the NIU softball team’s season as it travels to College Station, Texas to play in the Texas Aggie II Tournament.

The tournament will reveal whether the Huskies are ready for natural playing conditions. Due to bad weather, the team has been forced to practice indoors at NIU’s Anderson Hall.

“It’s been difficult,” NIU head coach Dee Abrahamson said. “We’re just looking forward to getting on a playing field. The ball bounces differently on the dirt. I think the players are anxious to play on a natural surface.”

Abrahamson is anxious also, but for a different reason. She is waiting to see if her team will improve on last year’s 23-19-2 North Star Conference mark.

Returners from that conference-winning club are expected to make key contributions. Heading the list of key returners are captains Kim Crotinger (2B) and Lori Reimer (SS). Abrahamson expects those two to steady the team’s defense.

Offensively, Abrahamson will count on Lisa Gilfoy (1B) and Julie Sexton (C/OF). En route to being named NIU’s Offensive Most Valuable Player, Gilfoy finished with 14 doubles, 26 RBIs and a .358 batting average. Sexton finished with 15 stolen bases, 23 RBIs and a .370 batting average.

“There’s no question we’ll need (Gilfoy’s) offense and defense,” Abrahamson said, “and (Sexton’s) going to change her role. Last year, she was exclusively our catcher. This year, she’ll be playing the outfield. Their play will be critical.”

Abrahamson said the performances of her utility players will be as critical as the starters.

“We play 18 games in 10 days over Spring Break,” Abrahamson said. “There is no question we need contribution from everybody. We are not going to be able to play the same nine everyday, so you need a lot of depth.”