The regular season may be a semester away but the NIU softball team is already getting into full swing.

The Huskies will host Loyola-Chicago on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the opening game of their Fall schedule. On Sunday, NIU will travel to Joliet to take part in the Stone City Round Robin, facing both Notre Dame and Lewis University.

Head coach Lindsay Chouinard will have 10 returning players and four returning starters this season.

“We have a lot of new people mixed in with some veterans,” Chouinard said. “It should be a nice mix.”

Among those returning players are senior infielder Bailey Ouellette, senior outfielder Jenna Roberts, sophomore outfielder Andrea Colosimo and sophomore pitcher Joreigh Landers.

Chouinard said the Huskies lost a power threat this season in Michelle Nendza, but said the team has young players ready to compete.

NCAA teams are allowed up to eight games in the fall. Chouinard said the fall games are a chance for coaches to see their team in action.

“It’s a chance to get a look at the new people on the team and let them realize this is Division I [softball],” Chouinard said. “You get to see your girls out there and get them acclimated.”