Softball opens the 2015 season with a quintet of games this weekend at the Texas State Hampton Inn & Suites Invitational in San Marcos, Texas.

The Huskies take on the Pittsburgh Panthers 12:30 p.m. and the Texas State Bobcats 5:30 p.m. Friday. Then they take on the Sam Houston State Bearkats 3 p.m. and Pittsburgh 5:30 p.m. Saturday. They close their first weekend against Texas State 11 a.m. Sunday.

Among NIU’s key returnees are the two-time All-MAC pitcher Jessica Sturm, reigning MAC Freshman of the Year Kayti Grable at first base and catcher Emily Naegele, an All-Great Lakes Region second team honoree.

Roster breakdown

Seniors: Five

Juniors: Two

Sophomores: Six

Freshmen: Eight