Kim Schuette is returning to coach in a tournament she used to help organize.

The second-year Eastern softball head coach and her team begin play today in the National Invitational Tournament in San Jose, Calif.

The tournament is hosted by San Jose State, where Schuette was an assistant coach from 2002-04.

“This past summer, I talked to the former coach there and we decided that we would make a trip out there,” Schuette said.

Schuette almost changed her mind, saying she wasn’t sure her team could handle the competition in California.

But after a strong fall, Schuette said she changed her mind and decided to send the team out there.

The competition at the tournament will be tough, especially when the Panthers take on national power California at noon on Saturday.

“I think the core of our team is young and I think it’s a pat on the back for our three seniors to face a team like that,” Schuette said about playing California, who is ranked 22nd in the nation.

Eastern (6-5) opens up the tournament today against Cal Poly (13-6) and San Jose State (3-9).

Eastern then will play California (13-9) and UC Riverside (10-11) on Saturday.

The Panthers face UC Davis (8-7) Sunday morning before playing Iowa State (7-15) in the team’s final game of the tournament Sunday.