Volleyball (9-9, 5-1 MAC) went 2-0 over the weekend, picking up wins against Western Michigan and Miami University. The Huskies won both games in three sets, sweeping both teams.

Western Michigan

NIU led the Broncos throughout the entire first set. Western Michigan attempted a comeback, trimming the Huskies’ lead to 18-17; however, NIU went on a run to close the set, winning 25-19.

In the second set, Western Michigan began to find its game, staying close and keeping the score tied. A long-fought set from both teams ended with a 25-22 Huskies win.

The Huskies held a 23-16 lead in the third set and never allowed the Broncos to get back into the game, winnning 25-18.

“Everyone contributed to our success tonight,” said head coach Ray Gooden, according to an NIU Athletics news release. “I know it’s cliche to say any win on the road is big, but it is big. To win in straight sets on the road is big.”

Miami University

The Huskies were able to find and attack the right spots on the other side of the net to begin the first set, leading 8-5. NIU kept its lead throughout the entirety of the set, winning 25-19.

The Huskies started off the second set leading 10-5, continuing its fortunes from the first. The game was tied at 17-17 just past the midway point of the set. Following the tie, NIU pushed forward, managing to win 25-22.

The third set began with an 8-8 tie. The Huskies were down 17-14 midway through the set, but were able to quickly deplete the deficit. NIU took a 23-22 score towards the end, eventually taking the final set 25-23. It was the sixth consecutive set win for the Huskies.

“Tonight was a really solid team victory,” Gooden said, according to NIU Athletics. “I know people want to talk about the numbers for some of players like T’ara [Austin] — and she’s continuing to work really hard for us — but with our team’s ability to play defense, it was truly a team effort tonight. Anna played outstanding tonight, and her performance was huge for us. Meg was great on the block, and Chrystal [McAlpin] came in off the bench and put up some positive numbers as well. the bench.”

NIU will take on Akron at 6 p.m. on Friday in Akron, Ohio.