The Huskie spikers are on a hot streak. In fact, it’s a hot streak that is history-making.

Three victories on the road this weekend puts NIU’s overall record at 6-1, having now won five consecutive matches. It is the best start for an NIU volleyball team since 1973.

The weekend victories came against a strong field of competitors from Butler University, University of Toledo , and Ball State University. The Huskies combined an impressive offense and strong defense in each game that was surprising for such a new and young team. Head volleball coach Pete Waite is excited about the unity already displayed by the team.

“I am extemely pleased with the way the year has begun. Our ball control and intensity has been phenomenal, and we’re still getting used to each other on the court,” Waite said.

The Huskies got the ball rolling with a 57 minute three-game sweep of Butler, 15-0, 15-9, 15-6, Friday night. NIU had a well balanced frontline game with Becky Ramsey, a freshman outside hitter, who led at the net with eight kills. Kori Schauer followed with seven kills and Amy Foulke added another five kills on a fast-paced offensive attack. Nikki Kozak picked-up a team-high 13 digs and aced three serves.

“That 15-0 first game score is real unusual in college volleyball.” Waite said. “We just came out and knocked Butler, a solid program, on its heels with a good service and transition game.”

The Huskies’ next match at the Ball State Cardinal’s Invitational on Saturday, was more of a struggle. During the second match NIU needed five games to get past Toledo, 15-12, 15-11, 9-15, 6-15, 15-3. The extended play led to big numbers on the stats sheet for Kozac and veteran player Kari Niesen who totalled 27 and 18 kills respectively. On the defensive side, Ramsey and Kozac combined for 28 digs that held off a strong Toledo offense.

Finally, the Huskies faced Ball State University Saturday night. NIU came out smoking and downed the Cardinals in three straight games, 15-9, 15-12, 15-7. The Huskies offense lit up the court with a season-best 33 percent hitting average. Niesen and Schauer led the NIU hitting attack with 12 kills a piece and Kozac and Amy Foulke followed with 10 kills each.

The defensive game was just as impressive as Ramsey and Foulke got together on 13 of NIU’s 16 blocks.

The Huskies will need to continue their cooperation on the court to keep their streak going. They get that chance when they host Gateway Conference member Bradley University on Tuesday in a 7 p.m. match at Evans Field House.