A week-long break from competition just might be an advantage for the Huskie volleyball squad, which is back in action and on the road again Tuesday for their second conference match of the season at Valparaiso University.

NIU heads into Tuesday’s match 16-6 overall and 1-0 in North Star Conference play. Their series over Valparaiso in the past stands at a perfect 10-0, but the Huskies aren’t taking the Crusaders lightly.

“We’re expecting a tough match,” NIU coach Pete Waite said. “Valparaiso got a new coach, Cindy Harris, formerly an assistant for Penn State. She did an excellent job there recruiting and coaching.”

“They’ve already surprised a few teams,” Waite added. “They’ve beaten Akron during tournament play, and Akron took second in our conference last year, so it was a major upset. We really have to be ready to go and play hard.”

Whether or not the break from action will be beneficial for the Huskies in the match against Valparaiso won’t be known until gametime. Waite, however, believes the time off has been helpful.

“They (the players) have been able to catch up on their studies and relax mentally,” Waite said. “Going into the last half of the season, that is really good for them. It’s been great.”

The Huskies head to Valparaiso for their fourth straight road game. NIU then returns home this weekend for two conference matches against Akron and Cleveland State.