The softball team has already won more MAC games this season than it did last year.

While the beginning was not a good one for the Huskies, going 1-7 to open the conference play, the team has reeled off nine wins in its last 10 games to up its record to two games above .500 with just four MAC tilts left.

Under the leadership of new head coach Christina Sutcliffe, the squad has seemingly gained a renewed sense of confidence, and senior shortstop Amanda Sheppard believes that radiates throughout the whole club, from coaches to players.

“Just the confidence overall, confidence in ourselves, confidence from the coaching staff and just the belief that we can do something,” Sheppard said. “It’s a huge thing. For us to not get down ourselves is one of the biggest improvements we’ve made. Knowing that no matter how far we are down we’re gonna come back, it takes the pressure off so it’s something that we can roll with.”

Last season the team lost nine of its last 10 games in conference play, the reverse of the current winning streak this year’s team is on.

The Huskies sit in fifth place for the tournament, behind Ball State, Kent State, Central Michigan and Miami (Ohio). The Huskies taking three of four from Akron and Ohio this past weekend helped further their cause for a tournament bid as both those teams fell to 7-11 and into a three-way tie with themselves and Toledo.

The Huskies have utilized strong pitching from sophomores Emily Norton and Jessica Sturm, and especially Norton as she has thrown three shutouts in the last three series.

Sheppard believes not only has the pitching been a huge boost for the club in racking up the wins, but the relationship between the pitchers and the defense is also important.

“It’s huge just for them to be able to complement each other so nicely with the lefty-righty,” Sheppard said. “It’s reassuring for the defense to know that they trust us when it gets hit and that we trust them to get it done, strikeouts, whatever.”

The Huskies are a year removed from tournament play, as they last appeared in 2011 and lost their two games to Central Michigan and then Miami (Ohio).

While the Huskies are not guaranteed a spot, they will have a crucial matchup with two teams that are also vying to slot into the tournament with Toledo and Bowling Green still on the docket.

Norton believes the team is peaking at the right time and it was a good thing to struggle when it did, as it has allowed the players ample time to gain ground late in the season.

“It’s awesome because it’s perfect timing with everything,” Norton said. “You’d rather have a rough start and start settling in at the end. I’m feeling really excited for the MAC tournament. I think we’re capable of a lot and I’m excited to see what we can do.”

With a new head coach in place, the team looks to be on a better track. If nothing else, this year has shown a marked improvement in the most meaningful games the team engages in, and Sheppard believes the season’s already been a great way to end her career.

“Obviously we’re a little on our heels at first, a little worried going 1-7 in the conference,” she said. “Our beliefs and our confidence really boosted us up, that confidence coming from our coaching staff…it’s been fun. I couldn’t have asked for anything better my senior year.”