Feb. 21, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - The energy and enthusiasm surrounding Northern Illinois Softball has continued to develop since the arrival of head coach Lindsay Chouinard last July. The lofty expectations and desire to succeed instilled by the new coaching staff has not only been well received by the Huskie softball players, but put into action over the last seven months.

"This team has already stepped up and shown that they are willing to work hard on the field and in the classroom to meet their goals," said Chouinard.

With a returning core of All-Mid American Conference upperclassmen infielders in Bailey Ouellette (first team) and Krista McPherson (second team), what the infield lacks in depth they make up for in experience. In addition, Chouinard expects great things from the pitching staff led by Kate Greenough, who was a MAC All-Freshman team selection in 2007.

While the Northern Illinois softball team competed in the MAC tournament the last two seasons, Chouinard is expecting to contend for the title.

"The hard work and dedication that this group of young women has shown thus far will propel this program to one of the elite in the MAC," Chouinard said.

The 2008 season will be the last for seniors Krista McPherson, Michelle Nendza, Taryn Hagemann and Jenna Mitchell and they are showing the resilience and leadership that it will take to catapult this program to the next level, according to Chouinard.

"This senior class has worked hard everyday and is hungry to win," Chouinard said. "This team's success will be a direct reflection of Krista, Michelle, Jenna and Taryn's character and dedication as they have led this team to where it is now."

THE INFIELD

The left side of the infield will be anchored by seniors Krista McPherson and Michelle Nendza, the two most experienced infielders on the team. Junior Dani Thompson has shown impressive defensive skills at second base with a strong arm and phenomenal athleticism. Bailey Ouellette will make the switch to first base thanks to her steady glove and consistent offensive output.

"The infield is led entirely by upperclassmen," Chouinard said. "With four starters who can play multiple infield spots, versatility will give this team many different looks."

Junior slugger Randi Kreiter will see time as the designated hitter and talented newcomers Andrea Colosimo and Emily Gooding could also see time in either the infield or the outfield.

"While they are both versatile defensively, each of these athletes has the ability to step in and immediately contribute offensively which will allow them to fight for a starting spot," said Chouinard.

THE OUTFIELD

With great speed and a vast amount of talent across the board, there will be fierce competition for the starting spots in the Huskie outfield.

"The outfield has tremendous depth and will be a battle of who can produce at the plate," Chouinard said.

"Junior Jenna Roberts is an impressive athlete who is not only fast but explosive and is expected to anchor the last line of defense," Chouinard said.

Also expected to get a starting nod is Andrea Colosimo in right field. "Andi is one of the hardest workers on the team. The strides she has made since stepping on campus seven months ago is nothing short of impressive," Chouinard said.

While the fight for the left field spot is going to be intense, Emily Gooding of Lismore, Australia comes to NIU after an All-American junior college career. A five tool player with impressive arm strength, Gooding is expected to be an immediate contributor in the top of the Huskie lineup. Senior Jenna Mitchell and sophomore Krysten Sendejas will see significant time in the outfield as well.

THE CATCHERS

Allie Parker is expected to lead the Huskies from behind the plate in 2008.

"She has made tremendous strides both offensively and defensively from the first practice this past fall. Allie's improvement is a testament to her intense work ethic and desire to succeed," Chouinard said.

Close on Parker's heels, Ashley Clement is pushing for a starting spot behind the plate.

"Ashley Clement and Allie Parker compete day in and day out for the starting catching spot," Chouinard said. "Both have experience from last season and the ability to contribute offensively."

THE PITCHING STAFF

Kate Greenough will anchor the pitching staff in 2008. A MAC All-Freshman team selection in 2007, her combination of speed and movement gives hitters fits and makes her one of the best pitchers in the MAC. Veteran Taryn Hagemann will bring a wealth of experience and composed demeanor to the mound as well. The final component to the Huskie pitching staff is talented freshman Joreigh Landers, a tremendous athlete who lacks any collegiate experience.

"With two experienced pitchers and one newcomer, Taryn, Kate and Joreigh are a complete staff," Chouinard said. "I expect all three pitchers to make a statement every time they step in the circle."

THE SCHEDULE

The Huskies will be living out of their suitcases for the first 23 games of the season as they are on the road until April 1 when #6 Northwestern University visits Mary M. Bell Field. Overall, the Huskies are on the road for 40 of their 52 games.

"Being on the road for the majority of our season will be a challenge," Chouinard said. "Adversity makes teams stronger; if we can win on the road with all the complications that it brings, winning becomes an expectation when the cards are in our favor."

NIU will start out the season with four tournaments, beginning on February 29 when the Huskies travel to Fort Myers, Fla. for the Florida Gulf Coast Tournament for games versus Florida Gulf Coast, St. Francis (Pa.), Mount St. Mary's and Mercer.

The final three tournaments will have the Huskies in St. Louis, Mo., Corvallis, Ore., and Iowa City, Iowa on March 8, March 13 and March 22, respectively. In St. Louis, NIU will matchup against Saint Louis, and Evansville. In Oregon, the Huskies will take on Portland State and three PAC-10 preseason top-20 teams in #11 Washington, #18 Oregon State and #20 Oregon. Finally, NIU will go up against Iowa and Western Illinois at the Iowa Classic to wrap up the tournament portion of the schedule.

"Our preseason tournament schedule gives us a great opportunity to make a statement," Chouinard said. "We open in Louisville against great competition. As we travel to the West Coast, our opponents include three ranked PAC -10 foes Oregon State, Oregon and Washington. The only way to be the best is to beat the best. And the only way to beat the best is to play them."

The Huskies start the MAC schedule on the road against Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan on the weekend of March 28-30. Fourteen of NIU's 22 MAC games are on the road, leaving only eight home contests.

The longest homestand for NIU is from April 9-16 when they have double-headers against Western Illinois and Buffalo, as well as matchups with Kent State and DePaul. The Huskies also have a three-game homestand from May 2-4 to end the season that includes a double header against Miami (Ohio) and two games with Ball State. NIU then heads to the MAC Tournament in Midland, Mich. from May 7-10.