Junior forward Natecia Augusta has brought a much-needed offensive and defensive inside presence to women’s basketball, but Augusta gained only after she and the team lost.

The Huskies lost four frontcourt players — three of whom were 6 feet or taller — to graduation or transfer following the 2012-13 season. They expected Augusta, the only returning player 6 feet or taller, to rise to the occasion as a post player for an undersized team.

“I don’t think we, offensively, … score if we don’t get post touches,” said head coach Kathi Bennett. “So, our game plan is always to get post touches.

“You can tell the games that have been tight or we’ve competed very well and won, it’s when we have that inside-out balance; Natecia is a huge part of that.

“I always say, ‘She’s gotta get at least 10 to 12 shots,’ which sometimes is hard for us. But she’s gotta be someone that’s willing to counter, get catches and score for us. I really think she’s embraced that, and that’s been a huge difference for us.”

To be the inside presence the team needed, Augusta worked hard during the offseason to get into better playing shape.

“Natecia’s come a very long way since her freshman year,” said junior guard Amanda Corral. “… She’s more agile for sure, and I think she’s definitely become a big threat inside for us.”

She leads the team with 13 blocks, and her 0.8 blocks per game in conference play ranks ninth in the MAC. Her mobility and large wingspan have helped her average 3.5 defensive rebounds per game, which is second on the team.

Augusta is classified as a forward but plays the center position. At 6 feet, she is considered undersized for a center, but she makes up for her size with a drive to never be out-worked.

“I take it personal,” Augusta said. “I take defensive challenges personal. I like to take it personal because it gives me energy and intensity on defense, which translates to offense. If I take it personal, it’s going to be a good day.”

The Peoria native is second on the team in field goals made (75) and is shooting a team-best .524 from the field.

Augusta leads the team in free throw attempts (65), and among players who average one or more free-throw attempts per game, she is third with a .738 shooting clip from the free-throw line.

“My dad always worked on my technique with free throws,” Augusta said. “You couldn’t leave the court unless you made your free throws. It takes consistent working on it because you can always have off nights.

“I shot free throws during the offseason way more than during the season. But during the season, every day I shoot free throws. I’m more of a mental learner, so I work on it mentally.”

Bennett said Augusta has begun to emerge as the inside presence the Huskies were hoping she would be.

“I think Natecia has grown from her freshman year to now,” Bennett said. “Her improvement has been tremendous. I just think she’s hungry.

“I see in Natecia [that] she wants to get better, she wants to do the right things. She’s battled through injuries and is trying to break habits. We’re trying to get her to bend her knees more and do things like that. And I see a steady progress with her. I see a steady climb.”