Even though NIU loses the home court advantage this weekend, it plans to dominate.

This weekend, the Huskies return to MAC West Divisional play as they travel north to face Eastern Michigan (19-6, 7-3 MAC) and Central Michigan (14-7, 7-3 MAC) for the second time around.

“We definitely are more confident playing in the Western Division,” said NIU sophomore setter Kristin Hoffman. “Since we get to play each team twice, we are more aware of their offensive runs. Also, the tempo is much faster in the west, and that’s what we’re used to.”

The tone of the weekend will consist of high-intensity volleyball as each team fights to defend their title.

Friday night, the Huskies will face Eastern Michigan, which is on a six-match winning streak.

The Eagles have not lost a MAC match since falling to Ohio on Oct. 1, when they were defeated 3-0. Since then, Eastern Michigan has dropped one set, going 6-0 in MAC matches, including four three-set victories over teams from the MAC East Division.

NIU has a 26-18 advantage in the series and has won six of the last seven meetings against Eastern Michigan.

However, the Huskies fell to the Eagles 3-1 in mid-September at Victor E. Court.

“Starting the weekend at Eastern, we all know we can’t afford to have another loss in the MAC,” Hoffman said. “We have all gotten a lot stronger, and we have to go out there and play confidently.”

As the end seaons comes closer to winding down, winning each and every match is crucial.

The MAC championship is only becoming closer making each victory imperative.

“I feel like we had room to improve since the last time we played them, and we’ve done so,” said NIU head coach Ray Gooden. “This weekend gives us a really good opportunity to play solid matches and great volleyball.”