The NIU volleyball team opens up its season this weekend, hosting the first of two tournaments in DeKalb this year.

Last year the Huskies finished the regular season in eighth place in the MAC with a 14-18 record. Their season ended against No. 1 seed and 15th-ranked Ohio in the quarterfinals. However, NIU gave them a fight, falling in four sets.

“We saw what we’re capable of doing and we put it all together in that match,” said Coach Ray Gooden. Gooden said the match helped him realize the team can play the best in the MAC and keep up with them.

The Huskies lost three starters in Laura Baetzel, Jessica Schultz and Mandi Caputo, but still have experience in the rest of their players. NIU had a fairly young squad last season, so Gooden is hoping the team has gained some experience.

“The closer games that we lost last season could hopefully turn in our favor this year,” Gooden said.

Gooden is looking at his different classes of players to fill a variety of roles this season.

“I am looking at my older players for experience, my sophomores and juniors for stability and the young players to challenge,” he said.

Meagan Schoenrock should be the go-to player this year for the Huskies. Last year, Schoenrock led the team in kills and points and will be looking forward to doing the same this season.

With the absence of Caputo, NIU will be looking to Amanda Tadla as setter. Tadla did not play as many games last season, but finished second on the team in assists per game.

On defense, the Huskies will be led by sophomore Maddie Hughes. Hughes led the team last year in digs and will be a key player for the Huskie defense.

Chicago State is an independent and finished last season at 6-25. The Cougars are hurting, having lost six key players and has three returning players. Chicago State lost their top six in killing and scoring, but still have their best setter and server in Hanya Minta.

They are also hoping to get off to a better start this year compared to last when they lost their first seven matches without winning a set.

Cleveland State finished in second place last season with a record of 23-9, but won the Horizon League tournament to earn a berth in the NCAA tournament. The Vikings have been picked to win the Horizon League again and will be a tough opponent for the Huskies.

Cleveland State is anchored by outside hitter Beth Greulich, along with a strong core of other players.

Connecticut finished last season with a record of 19-11 and was sixth in the Big East. They have lost a couple of key players and should finish in the same spot as they did last year. Junior outside attacker Kate Seabaugh and sophomore right side Lauren Lamberti and middle Rebecca Murray should give UConn the experience and talent they need this season to win, but will need their teammates to pick up the slack.

The Huskies open play at 7 p.m. Friday against Chicago State at Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. The Huskies will play two more matches on Saturday against Cleveland State at 1 p.m. and UConn at 7 p.m.