Power hits, strong serves, and quick sets are not all a volleyball team needs for success. For a talented team to go anywhere, it also takes a lot of attitude and a willingness to adjust.

With that in mind, it’s not surprising that the Huskies have been successful this season. Not only does NIU have top-ranked talent, but the 21-7 Huskies have got a crew of determined players who refuse to let a tough schedule and an injury-ridden season get them down.

Just how tough NIU’s non-conference match against Chicago State University Friday remains to be seen. NIU has not played the Cougars since 1981 so head volleyball coach Pete Waite is unsure of what to expect.

“Since we’ve never played Chicago State, I’m not real familiar with their program,” Waite said. “We’re just going to concentrate on our side of the court and try to play well together.”

Since NIU has never relied on a set lineup, adjustments on the court have been smooth all season. That ability is now crucial for the Huskies since Julie Kreiling-Zinke and Kori Schauer are still out indefinitely with ankle injuries. According to Waite, their conditions are improving but Michelle Detry is out for the season.

“The team is really adjusting well,” senior standout Kari Neisen said. “We’ve had to do this before so it isn’t that bad because we all work well together.”

With the end of the season creeping up on them, the team doesn’t actually have time to worry about “what if’s”? Counting the CSU match, NIU has three regular season games remaining before the North Star Conference Championship.

Coach Waite is confident the team will not be affected by any problems.

“I think we’re doing a really good job,” Waite said. “And I’ve got a lot of confidence in the players I’ve got out on the court right now. I think they’ll do really well in the conference tournament.”

The Huskies will duel against CSU in a 7 p.m. match at Chick Evans Field House.