The NIU volleyball team extended its skid in the wrong direction with a three-game loss Tuesday night at the hands of Illinois State University.

The Huskies struggled from the start, trailing 10-0 before waking up and making the Redbirds work for their 15-10 victory. ISU only allowed NIU one point in the second game and eight in the third. The loss dropped the Huskies’ record to 8-4.

“Illinois State swarmed the court all night,” NIU coach Pete Waite said. “They don’t give easy points. I know we’ll be working on defense and passing drills at practice to get us back on the winning track this weekend at Villanova.”

Becky Ramsey led the NIU hitting game with eight kills. Nikki Kozak and Kori Schauer added seven kills apiece with Kozak picking-up 14 digs and three block assists. Shauna Campbell added 26 more assists to her No. 1 North Star Conference and No. 14 national assist average.