NIU gymnastics coach Mark Sontag didn’t know what to expect coming into this season.

Sontag would have to rely on underclassmen, many of them freshmen, to make up a majority of the points. But all of the doubt was put aside at the Huskies’ first meet Monday.

NIU placed second with 190.85, trailing University of Illinois-Chicago’s 192.05. The Huskies also placed above MAC opponent Ball State.

Freshman Leah Johnson tied for the all-around title with a score of 38.725 in her collegiate debut.

“We are heavy on the freshman side,” Sontag said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s great to see them perform that way.”

Sontag is very optimistic for the rest of the season and said they will continue to improve after shaking off what he calls the “first meet jitters” and through continued practice.

“We’re performing very well in practice,” Sontag said. “In the gym, we nail our routine. We need to settle in while competing.”

Sontag said his top performers for the season are senior Ashlee Williams, sophomores Amber Whitecotton and Jennifer Rice, and freshmen Jennifer Naughton and Johnson.

“Our team chemistry is very good this year,” Sontag added. “We’re on the right track.”

The Huskies will have their next test on January 29, when then host Illinois and Central Michigan.