Spring may be weeks away, but the NIU softball team already hits the field this weekend at the Tiger Invitational at Auburn University.

“We’re definitely ready to be playing outside,” said assistant coach Kevin Welch.

With four returning seniors and four talented freshman prospects, the Huskies look forward to maintaining NIU’s dominance of the Mid-American Conference. Although NIU lost three seniors from a team that finished 19-3 in the MAC last year, Welch remains confident his team can continue the Huskies’ winning tradition.

NIU takes on Syracuse and Ohio State today, and will continue the tourney through Sunday.

“I think the reason we have been so successful is because we all play as a team,” Welch said. “One great thing here at Northern Illinois is all 17 players play as one team. It’s a great testament to them.”

Pitcher Anne Hamilton leads the freshman class and boasts stellar prep-pitching credentials. During her four-year career at Iowa’s North Scott High School, she went 74-6 on the mound, and also owns a 123-inning streak with no runs allowed.

Also joining the team this spring is infielder Megan Meyer of Durant, Iowa, center fielder Kelly Redican of Mayville, Wis., and Woodridge native Amy Krahula.

Welch said seniors Courtney Witvliet, Christy Johnson, Suzie Rizek and Bethany Carroll have taken leadership roles and have kept the team’s spirits up.

“They’ve done a great job of working hard and keeping us alive in practice,” he said.

Coach Donna Martin’s team, which won seven of 10 games this fall, aims to continue last season’s trend of improving hitting averages. Last year, the Huskies set a team record with 72 doubles.