The NIU baseball team welcomes MAC rival Bowling Green for a four-game series starting 3 p.m. today at Ralph McKinzie Field. Junior third baseman Rob Marconi, who leads the team in home runs with eight and RBIs with 18, hopes to lead the Huskies (18-12, 5-3 MAC) to a sweep over the Falcons.

Northern Star: Where does this weekend series against Bowling Green stand in terms of you guys winning the MAC?

Rob Marconi: This weekend is big for us. Last weekend, we were happy with a split against Western Michigan, but we all thought we could’ve taken at least three. But against Bowling Green, I haven’t played them personally. It’s a big chance for us to get out in front [of the MAC] and just run with it. We’re 5-3 right now, and if we go take all four from them, that’s huge.

NS: How is this team better than last year’s?

RM: Our attitude is a lot better; everyone is enjoying things a lot more and a having a lot more fun. Talent-wise, we lost a couple of good players. Noel [Danielson] out there in center field; that was a big loss and [Pat] Kerrigan in right. We lost some good players, but guys have stepped up and showed they want to play.

NS: Right now, you’re leading the team in home runs. What does that do in terms of your clubhouse stature?

RM: There’s guys on our team twice the size of me, so it’s pretty exciting to be in the lead. I don’t consider myself a power hitter, but some people might. I just go up there and try to drive in a run or get on base for somebody. I don’t go up there looking for a home run, and I think if someone does that, they’re making a mistake.

NS: How do you and your teammates stay loose in the dugout and on the road?

RM: On the way to games, a lot of people listen to headphones to try to get focused. We all enjoy ourselves this year, so people make jokes to stay loose. If you let the game get to you, you’re done because you won’t be able to perform well. You have to play above the game and just try to do your job.