The NIU women’s basketball team will pack up and head to Dayton, Ohio, for their last game of the month on Saturday, but this trip will differ from others because they will be taking a new quality along with them.

Despite the 94-85 loss to DePaul Wednesday, coach Jane Albright felt the night served as a positive happening for the team, in that the Huskies now have an identity.

“Last night was a real big moment for the athletic department,” Albright said of NIU’s efforts to stick with the North Star Conference’s leading squad. “One thing that we talked about as a team was that we feel like we have an identity now.

“Along with that identity comes responsibility,” Albright continued, “which I feel is us saying to all these people (fans) that we are going to play like this every game.”

Although the Huskie record dropped to 7-10, 1-2 in the NSC, they can tie the 2-1 Flyers (tied for second in the conference) in league play.

To complete this plan of action, Northern will need to suppress the shooting of Michelle Kruty—tied for eighth in NSC shooting percentage with 14.3 points per game—and Tobette Pleasant, who is averaging 15.5 ppg. Pleasant also leads the league in blocks with 54, averaging 3.9 per game.

How is NIU planning to win this one?

“We want to get back into our running game,” Albright said. “On a missed basket, we’re going to have to work on getting the ball to our outlets, or run on the break.

“Last night we had a lot of turnovers and we’re going to work on that. We want to run with them for sure.”

Two weeks ago, Albright felt the team’s point play had been shaky. However, Albright said she feels much more confident after the last couple games having Lisa Foss and Toby Meeks share the job.

“(Toby and Lisa) have done an excellent job of what we wanted them to do,” Albright said, “and we need them to continue that.”