With one team left to play before the start of the MAC season, the NIU softball team has come together over the past 10 games in spite of a slow start.

The Huskies, however, will continue to play without the services of senior pitcher Lindsey LaChiana.

Initially, NIU coach Donna Martin said LaChiana didn’t play in the Huskies’ last 10 games because she was attending to a family illness.

On Thursday, Martin said LaChiana will be out indefinitely, and would not comment further on the Oak Lawn native’s situation.

During LaChiana’s absence, NIU has won six of its last eight games, improving its record to 9-9 heading into its doubleheader today at noon at Butler (8-6).

In their first eight games, the Huskies compiled a record of 3-5. Over that stretch, LaChiana accounted for all three NIU wins from the mound.

A junior transfer from Loyola-Chicago last season, LaChiana has compiled a 1.70 ERA, 22 strikeouts and seven walks while allowing eight runs over 33 innings pitched this spring.

On offense, NIU is led by freshman Bailey Ouelette, senior Kelly Drozd and sophomore Michelle Nendza. This season, the three are batting .318, .312 and .304, respectively, while Nendza leads the team with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

“I believe this is the most talented team we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Drozd said.

Drozd’s freshman year was the last time NIU finished a season over .500. At 23-20-1 that spring, NIU was handed a 7-2 first round exit out of the MAC tournament.

Back at the .500 mark this season, Martin believes her team developed depth during their Spring Break trip in Florida, especially on the mound.

“The more options we have the better we are,” Martin said. “It makes it harder for our opponents to prepare for us. If someone has a bad day we have options.”

NIU’s next opponent is led by Amy Hyerczyk. The sophomore ranks No. 1 for Butler in home runs (2) and RBIs (9), despite batting .211 on the year.

Huskies’ pitcher Taryn Hagemann believes NIU’s defense is up to the task of holding down Butler’s offense.

“Up the middle of our defense we have a lot of range,” Hagemann said. “We have a very aggressive outfield that’s good at tracking the ball.”