The NIU men’s volleyball club, a member of the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA), will receive its chance to share the spotlight with the NIU women’s volleyball team Saturday.

The volleyball club has received the opportunity to play at Chick Evans Field House, following the women’s team, as a chance to gain awareness of the sport.

The club will host Iowa in an exhibition match at 7 p.m. after the women take on Butler in a 5 p.m. contest.

Carrie Groth, associate athletic director, is partially responsible for helping to put this event together.

“I feel this allows a good opportunity for students who enjoy the sport a good chance to view two NIU teams at once,” Groth said.

Although the volleyball club is one of the newest clubs at NIU, it has grown fast and has a roster of 50 members.

The volleyball season for the club doesn’t actually begin until next semester, but the club is enjoying this off-season to practice, play exhibition games and promote its sport.

The sport of men’s volleyball has made tremendous leaps over the past few years, gaining much popularity in what was once only considered a female sport.

“Mens volleyball is becoming large across the nation,” said club president Robert Uhwat. “It is appealing to many men and even becoming a team sport in high schools across the country.”

After play Saturday, the club will host a tournament Nov. 12 at the Student Recreation Center. Illinois and Illinois State are two schools participating.

“The future for the volleyball club looks good,” Uhwat said. “There’s a lot of cohesiveness on the team. I feel with the greater organization we’ll play great and have a good season.”

The preceding women’s match features the leader of the North Star Conference (NIU, 5-1) against the first-place team in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference (Butler, 4-0). Overall, the NIU women are 14-8, while Butler stands at 21-5. NIU and Butler have met twice before, splitting the series.