Women’s basketball (0-0, 0-0 MAC) will travel for a game against SIUE (0-0, 0-0 OVC) this weekend in its first official game of the season.

The Huskies beat the Cougars the last time the teams met, taking home a 69-47 win in the 2014-15 season. SIUE finished last season with a record of 19-12, highlighted by a nine-game winning streak in January.

The team has finished with a winning record in three of its last five seasons. Its season ended last year after a 71-59 loss to Tennessee State in the semifinals of the OVC Tournament.

Head coach Lisa Carlsen said she is familiar with head coach Paula Buscher and the intensity her teams brings to the court, but wants her ladies to keep their heads on straight and get a win on the road after last week’s preseason win at home

The Huskies opened up play last week with a 32-point win over St. Francis in an exhibition game. This week’s game against the Cougars will be the official season opener for NIU.

“They have some good, young talent,” Carlsen said. “They were picked to win their league. They have the preseason Player of the Year on their team [Shronda Butts], so I think it will be a good challenge for us.”

Freshman guard MiKayla Voigt is coming off of a tough showing in her collegiate debut last week. Voigt said she wants to continue her momentum and prove to the team she is a key player.

“We expect a real fast-paced, physical game,” Voigt said. “Our defensive transitions are going to be really important in this game against SIUE, so we’re really focusing on that in practice this week.”

Junior guard Ally Lehman scored 15 points on 7-15 shooting last week to go along with eight rebounds and six assists. She also came out with two blocks and two steals in the winning effort.

The Huskies will play two home games following the game before going on the road for five straight.

“I think it will be pretty tough with the guards,” Lehman said. “As long as we could get defensive boards and transitions, I think we could beat their post on the floor.”

Tip off will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Edwardsville.