After last year’s 14-41 season, NIU softball coach Donna Martin hopes the Huskies good start can result in more wins this year.

The Huskies will take a 6-3 record into the Speedline Invitational today in Clearwater, Fla., where they lost five of seven games last year.

“We have gained confidence because of how we’ve won games this year,” Martin said. “Hopefully we will be able to win more games in many different ways this season.”

The Huskies will play four games in three days before bracket play begins Sunday.

The Huskies play Long Island University (0-7) at 3 p.m. today.

The Huskies will then have a doubleheader, facing Central Florida (19-12-1) at 3 p.m. and Baylor (22-3), which is ranked No. 9 in the country, at 5 p.m. Friday.

“This tournament is known for having some big competition,” Martin said. “Baylor is ranked in the top 10, so there is quite a bit of talent there.”

The Huskies will face Temple (6-11) on Saturday before bracket play begins on Sunday.

Based on performance in pool play, seedings will be determined for bracket play, which begins on Sunday.

The Huskies will need pitcher Lindsey LaChiana to continue to carry the load if they hope to move on.

LaChiana has pitched 34.1 of the Huskies 61 total innings this season, boasting a record of 4-3 and a 1.63 ERA.

“Lindsey has been our workhorse early and I don’t see that changing until others step up,” Martin said.

On March 18-20 the Huskies will head to Orlando for the five-team Central Florida Invitational.