Softball season began six weeks ago, and NIU has yet to see action in DeKalb.

But before the Huskies (10-9) can return for their first home contest of the season, they will have to end a 23-game road marathon.

The final four games of the long journey have new importance though, as . MAC conference play begins.

“We’ve been traveling for the last month … it gets to be a grind,” NIU coach Donna Martin said. “But it’s something you expect in this climate.”

NIU will open its MAC season at noon today against Central Michigan in Mount Pleasant, Mich. CMU was picked by the preseason coaches poll to win the MAC West.

The Huskies will finish the second half of a double header against the Chippewas before heading out to Ypsilanti, Mich. to face Eastern Michigan on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Martin believes the team’s out-of-conference schedule has helped prepare the team by giving them experience.

“Creating personality on the field and consistency with our pitching and offense can only be done on the field,” Martin said. “We were very fortunate to get that.”

Part of this consistency is NIU’s ability to use different types of offensive weapons.

NIU has proved that they can run on the field as junior outfielder Kelly Park leads the team with six stolen bases and sophomore Krista McPherson is close behind with five.

Sophomore Michelle Nendza has provided power and consistency for the team as her batting average of .306, five doubles, four home runs and 11 RBIs are team highs.

While the offense is crucial, coach Martin knows pitching and effective defense are the key for the team.

“For the most part our success has been when we play defense and pitch consistently,” the 12-year coach said. “Day in, day out you’re not going to be able to outscore someone 9-8.”