The Huskie softball squad will host a tournament this weekend at the Huskie Softball Complex.

The round robin tourney will include Northeastern Illinois, Loyola, University of Illinois-Chicago, and Northern Iowa, and will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. and continue through Sunday.

This tournament should give NIU head coach Dee Abrahamson a good look at some of her new players. Due to graduation and injuries, the Huskies could have an unexperienced group on the field this weekend.

Last year’s academic All-American first-baseman, junior Niki Van Hooreweghe will not be able to play in the Huskie Invitational. She was involved in a car accident this summer and will not be ready to play until January.

Senior second baseman, Mandy Clothier, also may not be playing in the tournament after she sprained her ankle in practice last week. Clothier’s condition is questionable.

If Clothier does not take the field this weekend then shortstop Ann Colgan will be the only returning starter on the field with experience in a specific position.

“In the fall, we give older players a chance to try out new positions, and we also get a chance to see new players,” Abrahamson said.

Sinta Seiber and Kim Waite, a pair of freshmen pitchers, will be taking the mound for the first time for the Huskies this weekend.

Giving the Huskies the experience on the mound are seniors Kim Compton and Rachel Ortiz.

Because of a strong program, the Huskies have yet another great recruiting class.

Abrahamson said she is real happy with the progress all of the new people are making.

The Huskies decided to cut their fall schedule to six games because of the lack of experience. Abrahamson said she has to emphasize on learning rather than picking up and playing games every weekend.