Facing a tough team always seems easier when you’re on your home court.

The NIU volleyball team was fortunate to have that advantage in its corner this weekend at Victor E. Court, as they went 4-0 in winning the second NIU Invite. The strong weekend pushed its home record to 6-1 overall.

The atmosphere found its way from the stands to the court, as the Huskies played as energetic and loose as they have at home all season. This was especially evident in a sweep of Loyola 25-22, 25-17, 25-14. The Ramblers, 8-0 going into the Friday night match, never developed a rhythm as Victor E. Court was as loud as it’s been all year.

“Our group this year really has taken pride in our home court,” said NIU coach Ray Gooden. “They really want to show everyone how proud they are to play here at Victor E., and they appreciate the fan support and the band support.”

The NIU band helped to generate plenty of energy for the fans and players in its first action within the walls of Victor E. Court this season. They were even disruptive enough that Loyola had to move their huddle to the other side of the floor to hear during timeouts.

Junior Meagan Schoenrock helped to keep the Huskies’ energy level high, pumping her fist after every kill and being a vocal leader for the team.

“I think enthusiasm is a really, really big part of our game, and it really helps us be a better team,” Schoenrock said, who was selected to the All-Tournament team.

Led by Schoenrock, who had 13 kills and a .414 hitting percentage, the Huskies had four players above five kills and only five attacking errors on the match.

“Amanda Tadla is actually really making me look good,” Schoenrock said. “I had my defense tell me where to hit and had Tadla giving me a really good set, so it makes my job really easy actually.”

Tadla registered 33 assists in the match, and totaled 140 over the weekend.

“I was just thankful for my team,” Tadla said. “They put up a lot of passes and I was able to set it to the hitters who executed and got me assists, so it was all my team.”

“She’s trying to improve herself each time out,” Gooden said of Tadla. “She watches herself on tape after the match to kind of see what she needs to get better at.”

It was the mixture of energy and teamwork that spelled success for the Huskies at home this weekend.

“The energy helps make it fun,” Schoenrock said. “I feel like when we have fun we play a lot better.”