Coming off a successful run to the MAC Championship game a year ago, the NIU women’s soccer team has high expectations for the upcoming season.

“Our goal is to make it to make the tournament and once we get in there, we want to win the championship,” said associate head coach Paul Jobson. “You know once you get in there, anything can happen.”

Senior Karen Enockson, last year’s leading scorer, heads the charge that features 10 of 11 returning starters, including eight sophomores.

Also looking to help on offense is 2006 Freshman All-MAC honoree Lisa Maier, the team’s second leading scorer last season.

On the other side of the ball, seniors Katie Sturges and Michelle Christian and sophomore Micaela Damas lead the defense.

This year’s team also features a strong batch of newcomers. Becca Ford provides local talent out of DeKalb High School and looks to compete for playing time as well as Mo Smunt, Kane County Chronicle and St. Charles Republican Player of the Year.

Jestina Orlando, a junior transfer from North Dakota State, played two seasons for the Bison and was the team’s third-leading scorer in 2006.

“There are also six other freshman that are going to compete and provide plenty of depth,” said Jobson.

“Returning so many starters, we may be the most experienced sophomore class in the country,” Jobson said. “We’re also deep. We can put in plenty of players off the bench and not lose anything.”

This year’s play opened up with a pair of 1-1 exhibition ties at USF and UCF.

“Exhibition looked good as far as effort, heart and determination so we have a head start on that,” Jobson said. “It’s up to the kids to bring it every day and compete.”

Beginning Friday, the Huskies host the NIU Tournament at Huskie Soccer Field. They face IUPUI Friday while Navy and Iowa face each other in the day’s early match.

On Sunday, NIU plays Iowa while Navy and IUPUI square off.

“IUPUI will be a good test for our first regular season match,” Jobson said. “They’ve played MAC teams well in the past and they’ll be competitive.”

“Playing Iowa is going to just be awesome,” Jobson added. “Anytime you play a Big 10 team, it’s a test.”

While expectations are high, the Huskies will focus on improving every day and letting the success come.

“Our motto is we’re gonna get better every day,” Jobson said. “Last year’s results don’t mean anything going into this season. It’s out of sight and out of mind.”