During the preseason, the Maryland softball team spent 11 days in Florida, and the Terps felt they returned to College Park with an advantage because practicing outside is a luxury for northern teams.

In past years, Maryland has relied on the bubble, the indoor training facility on this university’s campus. But the chance to use a field in January allowed the infield to gel and the outfielders to take fly ball practice.

The Terps struggled in their season-opening Texas Invitational tournament, starting 0-5 for the first time since 2014, but coach Julie Wright said the Terps plan to replicate their Florida training next year.

“It was amazing for team chemistry, team building, being able to be on a softball field in 80 degrees in January training,” Wright said.

Wright led the team through more than on-field exercises during the trip. The players also went on adventures, such as a swamp safari ride and paddle boating.

“Not only did we have a lot of time on the field together, coach and the rest of our staff put together programs for us to bond,” catcher Kristina Dillard said. “We went through a character development program, which was extremely helpful. We didn’t just get to know each other athletically, but just personally.”

[Read more: Maryland softball relied on a freshman for power and support to start the season]

Back in Maryland, weather has cooperated with outdoor training, too. Temperatures reached the low 70s during the first full week of February, about 25 degrees more than the average high, according to data from Maryland’s climatologist office.

“This whole winter has been a little unique for us,” Wright said. “We’ve been outside quite a bit. It helped set us up for our preseason. We have a really tough schedule, so we needed it.”

As the Terps faced No. 16 Minnesota, Colorado State twice and Texas last weekend, they integrated new pieces into the lineup. All five freshmen played, including two in the infield. Brigette Nordberg started four games at first base and Anna Kufta at third and catcher.

At one point in Sunday’s rematch against the Golden Gophers, junior Skylynne Ellazar was the only infielder playing the same position she had the year before.

Ellazar split time last year between third and shortstop, while infielder Juli Strange is returning to second base after redshirting in 2016 with a torn ACL . Nordberg and Kufta played first and catcher, respectively. Dillard, the catcher for all 52 games last season, played third.

It is necessary that the chemistry the team worked to create before the season translates to the lineup. Freshman outfielder Amanda Brashear hit leadoff for the final two games of the series and leads the Terps with a .500 batting average. Ellazar and Kufta are both hitting above .400, too.

“Being outside, being able to hit on an open field, being able to scrimmage, all of those things,” Wright said. “It’s a huge advantage for us that we just usually don’t get.”