For the NIU softball team, this weekend’s four-game set could mean a clinched spot in the MAC tournament.

But the games could also shut the door on NIU’s postseason.

NIU holds the last spot in the eight-team tournament, but all could change after facing two MAC opponents this weekend.

“[Making the MAC tournament] was the goal we set out to do at the beginning of the season.” NIU softball coach Donna Martin said. “We work for it each and every day.”

The Huskies (20-24 overall, 8-10 MAC) host Toledo in a doubleheader Friday in Dekalb at 1 p.m. then travel to Bowling Green for a 6 p.m. Saturday game and a 1 p.m. Sunday game.

NIU’s opponents prove to be complete opposites as Toledo (13-36, 4-13) is last in the MAC West and Bowling Green (32-20, 13-5) leads the MAC East, but head coach Donna Martin says there isn’t much difference between the top and the bottom.

“There’s no room for taking anyone lightly in the MAC,” Martin said. “There’s problems if you do.”

Where Toledo and Bowling Green are similar is in offense.

Both teams are top five in the MAC in batting average, with Bowling Green ranked third with a .262 team average and Toledo ranked fourth batting .260.

Bowling Green is ranked fourth in the MAC in runs scored with 177 and Toledo ranks fifth with 170.

Coach Martin said the key to winning is to play mistake-free baseball.

“We have to trust our pitching,” Martin said. “We can’t allow free opportunities with walks and defensive mistakes.”