The NIU Baseball Club launched its 1988 season in Daytona, Fla. over spring break, winning one of four games.

The Huskies, whose roster consists of 26 players, opened their season by bringing 24 players to Daytona March 11. The players payed their own way, but were helped by donations from outside businesses.

The Huskies attained their first loss in the first game of a doubleheader against Tennessee State, March 15. But the Huskies motivated themselves and came back to overpower TSU in the second game, giving them their first victory of the year. Scott Stenstrom got the win for the Huskies in their 12-10 extra-inning victory. In that game, NIU proved it had offensive punch.

For the Huskies, who have been practicing in the NIU Recreation Center, this was their first chance to play outside as a team this year. After splitting the doubleheader, the Huskies came back against Embry-Riddle Thursday, March 17. The Huskies played well, but took an 8-4 loss to the Florida-based team.

Before the club journeyed home, it attempted to even its record by playing Tennessee State a second time. However, the Huskies fell short, losing by a 13-6 score.

The club’s 1-3 record might not be impressive, but club member Pat Mayer said the team got the experience it needed to start the season. “We prioritized improving and preparing for the season coming up,” said Mayer, a Huskie power hitter.

Club president Stenstrom said the team did well under the circumstances. “Considering we only brought two of our regular pitchers down, we looked good.”

The team, at some points, had to pitch infielders such as Russell Booker, who made two appearances and pitched 10 shutout innings.

The team made a strong showing at the plate, hitting .320 as a group. The Huskie offensive standouts were Guy Massara, who hit .615 and Tom Scott, who hit .518. Also hitting well was club speedster Toby Murphy, who added a .314 average.

Looking forward, the Huskies, who only play school-sponsored teams, plan to do well, even though they are not school- sponsored. “Playing teams, not clubs, gets us the respect we deserve, especially since we are beating them,” Stenstrom said.

The Huskies, who ended last season 15-4, play all of their games away because they have no home field. The team will play again Saturday against Oakton Community College.