NIU volleyball defended its home court, all while supporting cancer research Saturday night.

Victor E. court was full of pink-shirted fans representing “Spike Cancer Week” presented by Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

The Huskies were defeated last year in the MAC Championship game by Bobcats, but came out on top this time around.

NIU (19-5, 8-2 MAC) swept Ohio (15-9, 7-3 MAC) 3-0, as it earned its seventh win in a row.

“Our confidence is up right now,” said NIU defensive specialist Amber Walker. “We really needed to beat them, and it was a really good thing for us. We played to win, instead of scared to lose.”

The first set was easily taken by NIU, after a quick 11-4 lead.

With the help of a 14-9 kill advantage, the Huskies were able to end the set with a score of 25-18.

Ohio stepped up its game in the second match after NIU lead 11-7 and came back to tie the score at 17.

However, the Huskies recorded three consecutive kills made by middle back Sarah Angelos, setter Kayla Zeno and outside hitter Lauren Wicinski.

“Last night was a rare night,” said NIU head coach Ray Gooden. “The girls were pumped to go out there, and we felt really good. We didn’t feel like we were under any pressure, and we know how to handle situations as a group, and that’s what we did.”

NIU won the second match 25-20. The Bobcats took what would be their only lead in the third set, 6-5.

Even though Ohio came in close range toward the end with the score of 20-19, and 21-20, NIU shut it down.

Wicinski, Mary Kurisch and MacKenzie Roddy all contributed kills that helped to finish the third and final set with a score of 25-21.

The middle duo of Kurisch and Angelos added nine kills apiece and both hit .350 or better.

Offensively, senior setter Kristin Hoffman recorded 34 assists and 12 digs.

Defensively, Walker led NIU with 17 digs.

“It’s fun playing with teams that are really good, and that we have to work hard to beat,” Walker said. “I think that’s when we play our best volleyball.”