Three is not a charm for the NIU volleyball team as it was swept in its North Star Conference opener by the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames Tuesday night at Chick Evans Field House.

The Huskies had won their two previous matches and attempted to make it three, but the Flames were just too much. UIC won the match in three straight games by 15-11, 15-13 and 15-10 margins.

Led by senior Dee Dee Ericks’ 17 kills and 14 digs, UIC dominated the game throughout. The Huskies, playing without leading hitter Kari Niesen, who jammed her right knee during the Loyola match last week, continued to be plagued by a lack of consistency and numerous service errors.

“We’ve been playing with good bursts,” NIU coach Pete Waite said. “But in college play, we need consistent, steady play to win.”

Consistency didn’t show up for the game—for either team. Every time the Huskies or the Flames would get a little momentum going, a service error seemed to end the run and let the other team back in the door. Both teams had strong play at times and poor play at times, but the Flames capitalized more often for the win.

“It was a strange match,” Flames coach Don August said. “There were periods of real sloppy ball, then there were periods of good volleyball. This is a difficult place for us to win, but we did it.”

The Huskies were led by Wendy Mason with 14 kills and 9 digs. Jamie Steenblock had 9 kills and 11 digs and played a big role in the second game, when NIU took a run at the Flames. NIU was trailing 11-4 in that game and came back to take the lead at 12-11, only to see the Flames smother the rally and win the game 15-13.

The loss puts NIU at 6-13 overall and 0-1 in the conference as the Huskies attempt to become the second team to win the North Star championship in back-to-back seasons.

The next NIU matches are against conference foes Akron (Friday) and Cleveland State (Saturday). Waite said he isn’t looking ahead right now.

“My concern at this point isn’t the next opponent,” he said. “Rather, our team playing like they are capable.”