For the NIU field hockey team, Saturday’s exhibition performance was enough to pass. However, coach Laurie Bell was convinced the Huskies have work to do before they can ace the 1989 season.

NIU did post a 1-0 shutout victory in an extended 80-minute exhibition contest at Huskie Stadium against a coed North Shore Club unit. NIU’s margin of victory came in the opening portion of the second half on a penalty corner opportunity.

Alice Wassman tallied the game winner with assists from Reggie Vanderwerf and Amy Lynn during one of NIU’s six total penalty corners. The six chances, like the Huskies’ overall effort, was still below Bell’s expectations.

“I can’t say that I’m dissappointed because we did win, but I can’t say I’m happy because I know we have room for improvement,” Bell said. “I saw things we need to work on, like crisper passing and stopping the ball. It was a little hard to judge us fairly considering we had some key people missing due to injuries.”

The Huskies have time to heal their wounds and refine their skills because the season opener doesn’t come until September 8, when NIU welcomes Saint Louis University. The 6 p.m. contest is the first of seven consecutive home matches for NIU.