Just around the time most everyone had already failed or given up their New Years resolutions, NIU women’s gymnastics got its season started.

Led by first year coach Sam Morreale, the Huskies got off to an even start, losing their first match-up to Illinois-Chicago by a score of 191.575-188.350. NIU won its second meet by a narrow margin of 190.350-190.100 over Southern Missouri.

Morreale looks to lead a roster mostly comprised of underclassmen, with only seven upperclassmen.

“Our upperclassmen have been leading by example since the semester started,” Morreale said. “It’s not only what we do in the gym, but how we carry ourselves around campus as well as going into a competition.”

With only a few seniors, Morreale looks for certain members to step up for big performances every time out.

“Tanya Rachan would be one of them, looking for her consistency,” Morreale said. “Kim Gotlund would be another, she’s our only all arounder right now. I’m also looking for the underclassmen to get more experience so they can draw from that later on.”

Morreale has taken the reins as head coach, after being an assistant to long-time head coach Mark Sontag for four years.

“I feel like I’ve used my own voice from the get go this year,” Morreale said. “Luckily, I was able to step into a good position where we were already moving forward. I’m trying to stress a lot more personal responsibility and setting expectations.”

In the next three meets, NIU will be at home in their first MAC match-ups of the season.

“We love being at home,” Rachan said. “We get to sleep in our own beds and eat a good meal. We’re familiar with the equipment so it’s definitely an advantage.”

Rachan is one of only five seniors, and believes this team has what it takes to compete.

“I think we have a lot of talent and a lot of potential,” Rachan said. “In years past we’ve had maybe only two freshmen, it’s definitely exciting. We’ve got a couple good vaulters this year. We’re closer than we’ve been in a while.”