After six weeks of training exclusively with teammates, the NIU softball team is chomping at the bit to face real competition.

With seven new freshmen joining the squad, the Huskies will begin their season this weekend at the Dragon Dome Invitational.

“We’re ready,” said NIU coach Donna Martin. “The players are so tired of practicing against each other. They’re prepared to play someone else.”

The Huskies begin their season at 3 p.m. today with weekend games against Northern Iowa, Purdue and IUPUI.

Despite replacing eight players from last year’s 24-25 team, Martin is convinced her team can improve with a new-found sense of balance. The Huskies began the year with an 18-11 record, but faded down the stretch and lost 14 of their next 17 games.

“Some of it was depth,” Martin said about the team’s struggles. “We had some injuries to key people. I think we have a little more balance this year and more team speed. Last year, we were more one dimensional.”

In a sport where team speed is essential, the Huskie offense frequently was stymied last season by its base-running shortcomings and became dependent on home runs to score. While losing 14 of 17 at midseason, NIU scored more than two runs only three times.

The loss of Toni Del Toro to graduation leaves a void in the power-hitting position of the Huskie lineup. Del Toro led the team with seven home runs and 30 RBIs along with a .281 batting average.

Despite the loss of the seniors, the Huskies return four of their top six hitters from last year, who all hit at least .280.

Several freshmen will make significant contributions to the team, Martin said.

The lone freshman starter in the starting lineup so far is second baseman Bailey Ouellette, who replaces outgoing senior Megan Meyer. The enthusiasm of the younger players will go a long way to helping the team improve, Martin said.

“Your year in school doesn’t determine the contribution you’ll make,” Martin said. “The underclassmen are talented and they’re very experienced from playing travel ball in the summer. They bring a lot of skill and energy to our team.”

Two new coaches, Candi Letts and Joanna Lane, also joined the Huskies’ ranks in September and December, respectively. Letts was the head coach at Ole Miss softball while Lane was also the skipper of Wesleyan College in Georgia.

With six upperclassmen and 12 underclassmen on the roster, Martin is confident her team will avoid last year’s frequent peaks and valleys in its performance.

“Our balance and versatility,” Martin said about her team’s biggest strength. “We have team speed and power to work with. We have young players to bring energy and veterans with game experience.”