Challenging is one way to describe the NIU softball team’s out-of-conference schedule.

However, preparation may be a better word as the Huskies approach the conference season.

NIU (10-12) begins its MAC play with a double header against Eastern Michigan (7-14) today at 1 p.m. at Mary M. Bell Field in DeKalb.

The Huskies continue their conference schedule on Saturday and Sunday, playing Central Michigan (10-11) in DeKalb at 2 p.m. and 1 p.m.

In their 22 non-conference games this season, the Huskies faced eight teams that went to the regional level of the NCAA tournament last season.

In total, NIU has played against this level of competition ten times, as it faced Iowa and the University of Texas-San Antonio twice.

In those 10 games, the Huskies went 2-8, but kept all their opponents to four runs or less.

“We’re playing very, very tough games,” NIU head coach Donna Martin said.

These games have been used as learning experience for NIU, as it has been a chance for a young Huskie team to learn and grow.

One of the most important lessons thus far has been seizing opportunities, especially on the offensive side.

“We learn from this game. We got opportunities [to score] and didn’t cash in,” NIU catcher Ashley Clement said after the home opener. “It feels like giving them the game.”

But the learning hasn’t be limited to just the offense.

Martin has noticed great defensive improvement during the first 22 games.

Developing pitching has also been crucial, particularly with freshman pitcher Kate Greenough.

“The umpire had pretty wide strike zone on the outside. She’s learning to throw where he calls it,” Martin said of Greenough after NIU’s loss to Iowa. “She’s doing a great job for us.”

That pitching has been recognized by the conference also, as Greenough is one of three Huskies to have already been MAC Players of the Week this season.

The freshman pitcher won the award in the last week of February after pitching in all five of NIU’s games at the UCSB Mini Tournament.

Pitcher Taryn Hagemann and Clement have also earned the honor. Hagemann recieved the honor on Wednesday, while Clement won the award in the second week of February.