DeKALB — NIU volleyball completed its first reverse sweep of the season against Central Michigan University to open Mid-American Conference play.
The Huskies (8-2, 1-0 MAC) appeared frustrated after dropping the first two sets at home to the Chippewas (3-10, 0-1 MAC), but that frustration helped them push to make it a five-set match. After falling behind 0-4 in the fifth set, NIU fought back to find its offensive stride, completing the comeback and taking down Central Michigan 3-2.
“I knew we were never out of it because of what I’ve seen in the preseason,” head volleyball coach Sondra D’Amore said. “I think that (the Huskies) know that as well. They know how to win in five. They know how to come back. We had a tough conversation after set two, told them we needed to make changes and they did. They fought, and it was just an amazing win.”
NOT OVER UNTIL IT’S OVER
This game was NIU’s sixth five-set match so far this season, and its fourth five-set match victory.
“I think (resilience is) something that can’t be taught,” D’Amore said. “The belief that no matter what’s happening, they can still win. Belief goes a long way, and I think that that’s something that I’m just really proud of them for. After getting pushed really hard early when we haven’t in a while, they responded.”
Sophomore outside hitter Emma McCartney made a season-high four aces and led the team with 15 kills. After a slow start in the first two sets, McCartney said the team played with confidence to make the comeback.
“We went into the last three sets (saying) every point matters,” McCartney said. “That was the mentality, and that’s how we played. That’s where our grit came in. No ball hit the floor, and every ball was 110%.”
Sophomore outside hitter Ava Grevengoed put up her sixth double-double of the season, recording 11 kills and 11 digs. She also contributed four assists and nailed one service ace. Junior middle blocker Autumn Flynn also helped the offense with 11 kills and two aces.
SHUTTING IT DOWN
The Huskies’ defense kept the team alive through the five sets, totaling 14 blocks and 62 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Rylea Alvin shined on defense against CMU, jumping five solo blocks and putting up two block assists. She also made three digs and recorded five kills on offense. Alvin described her mentality on the court as block-focused.
“I’m kind of out there (thinking) ‘See ball, block ball,’” Alvin said. “I’m always hungry for a block. The coaches will be like, ‘We need a stop here,’ especially when we need a side out, and I think, ‘I’m going to be there, I’m going to block the ball.’ It’s my mentality and the way I approach the court.”
Alongside Alvin on defense, McCartney put up 3 block assists. Flynn reached two season-highs with six total blocks (two solo, four assists) and 4 digs. Freshman outside hitter Naomi Dowd tallied two block assists and three digs, and senior right side Alexa Hayes picked up 1 solo block, 1 block assist and 5 digs.
UP NEXT
NIU battles Eastern Michigan at 6 p.m. Friday at Victor E. Court. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats provided on SIDEARM Sports.
