Hopes are high for NIU volleyball as this weekend approaches.

After victories over Eastern and Central Michigan last weekend, the Huskies extended their season-long winning steak to nine matches.

NIU is prepared for a battle this weekend as it takes on Toledo and Ball State at Victor E. court.

“We are doing a lot of drills this week,” said sophomore Sarah Angelos. “[We’ve been] focusing on siding out and being efficient. I feel very confident for this weekend. We have all learned to play very well together, and we are all mentally prepared.”

Friday night, NIU (21-5, 10-2 MAC), who is in second place in the MAC West Division, will face sixth-place Toledo (9-15, 4-8 MAC).

In October, the Huskies defeated the Rockets 3-1 on the road.

That night, NIU sophomore Lauren Wicinski tallied a career-high 39 kills with a .484 attack hitting percentage.

The Huskies currently have a 31-9 all-time hold over Toledo going into Friday’s match.

Rockets senior Kassie Kadera is second place in their history with 4,673 assists.

Toledo ranks fifth in the MAC in digs per set (14.82), and stands seventh in kills per set (12.89).

Friday might not be as much as a battle as it will be Saturday against the Huskies’ long-time foe Ball State.

After NIU fell to the Cardinals 3-2 earlier this season, it worked hard to make sure a loss like that didn’t happen again.

Ball State is 7-3 away from home this season.

The Cardinals have also won the last five meetings with the Huskies. Ball State senior and middle blocker Kelsey Brandl is second in kills with 2.83, leads in attacks with a .341 hitting percentage and holds a team-high 38 aces.

Despite Ball State’s recent success against NIU, its confidence isn’t going to dwindle.

“Throughout the season, we have become more confident as a team,” said NIU junior Amber Walker. “It’s nice being able to play them at home. We practice there everyday, plus, [with our] fan’s support, we’re a lot more comfortable here.”

This weekend will determine the Huskies’ strength and endurance as they fight for first place in the MAC. Friday and Saturday are the last home matches of the season.

NIU leads the NCAA in kills, ranks second in assists and eighth in hitting percentage.

The Huskies will have to give their all this weekend as they push forward toward the MAC championship.

“We’re working very hard on being consistent,” said NIU head coach Ray Gooden. “Both teams this weekend are really good, and these games are very important for us.”