Coming off its loss against DePaul, NIU softball will look to bounce back at home this weekend as it hosts MAC opponents Buffalo and Kent State for two games each.

The Huskies (16-21, 3-5 MAC) will play a double-header against the Bulls Friday and then play one game against the Golden Flashes Saturday and Sunday.

“Every weekend is important for us from here on out,” said NIU coach Lindsay Chouinard. “Kent State is doing a great job in MAC play, as they’re 6-2, and Buffalo always gives us some good games, as we played extra innings at their place last year, so they’re really important and we need to keep that MAC momentum going.”

The Bulls (9-20, 1-6 MAC) are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Golden Flashes (20-18, 6-2 MAC) are currently on a three-game winning streak.

“They are both great competitors,” Chouinard said. “Buffalo is an up and coming program and played a big game against Baylor this year, who’s ranked in the top 25. Their pitchers do a good job for them, and they are relentless from the plate and we’re going to have to keep on them and play our best.”

The Huskies will have to watch out for Buffalo’s Alexis Curtiss, who is batting .351 and has driven in 17 runs.

As for Kent State, the Huskies will need to be aware of Abbey Ledford, who has five home runs and leads the team in RBIs with 25.

In order for the Huskies to be successful it will have to play solid, all-around softball.

“We need to have strong pitching, good defense and timely hitting,” Chouinard said.