The NIU volleyball team secured a home match for the first round of the MAC tournament last weekend.

With matches that featured wins over Toledo (25-16, 17-25, 25-23, 25-14) and Ball State (25-22, 25-27, 25-20, 25-18), the Huskies (17-13, 9-7) were able to cement their place in the MAC standings.

“I think it’s great for us to end the regular season like we did,” said NIU head coach Ray Gooden. “It’s nice to be able to host in the first round.”

NIU went 2-0 on the weekend despite being out-blocked 10-4 against Ball State (11-20, 6-10), as well as being out-scored.

Leading the Huskie charge on the weekend was freshman outside hitter Allison McGlaughlin, who tallied 33 kills on the weekend, including 20 against Toledo (13-15 overall, 5-10 MAC). Senior Irene Johnson and junior Meagan Schoenrock also contributed offensively, tallying 25 and 24 kills, respectively.

Schoenrock was able to reach double-digit kills for the 29th time in 30 matches this season.

“Everyone in general is really stepping up,” Gooden said. “I think it’s really in general that our team is doing a good job trying to contribute.”

Setting it up for the Huskies was junior setter Amanda Tadla. Tadla totaled 80 assists on the weekend, including a career-high 53 against Toledo.

“We feel that both Kristin [Hoffman] and Amanda are very capable when it comes to setting the ball,” Gooden said. “It feels really good to have two players on our team who can distribute the ball and are competent at doing so.”

Gooden said that it was probable NIU would face Kent State (13-16, 3-13) in its home tournament match, but could not confirm it until he received word from MAC officials.

“We know that whoever we play in the first round is going to give their best,” Gooden said.

“They’re going to give their best, so we’re going to have to give our best in order to advance to Toledo.”

NIU will host its first round match-up of the MAC Tournament at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Victor E. Court.