Some call it getting the monkey off their back. Some call it getting over the hump.

Whatever it’s called, what the NIU volleyball team did Saturday was get a win.

The Huskies snapped a four-game skid by defeating Eastern Michigan at Victor E. Court 3-1 in a MAC West game.

NIU (7-11, 1-3) rebounded nicely after dropping the first game and shut the Eagles down in the decisive Game 4, taking the match 28-30, 31-29, 30-22 and 30-16.

The win was an emotional one for the Huskies, who have struggled at home this season. By the end of the game, the crowd seemed a formidable seventh man for them.

“It feels so good,” Irene Johnson, NIU junior outside hitter, said. “We have to remember how we fight. It‘s always good when the crowd and band are into it like they were tonight.”

One of the team’s biggest supporters was senior Laura Baetzel, who missed the game due to injuries.

NIU was particularly spirited in its defensive efforts, combining for 115 digs, a new season high. Those digs led to some crucial points for NIU.

“This just shows what we are capable of doing if we keep fighting,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “It’s awesome to see the fight they came out with tonight.”

EMU (12-7, 2-2) also showed it had some fight in them in the second game.

During the pivotal Game 2, NIU took an early 13-6 lead. A 6-0 run by the Eagles pulled them within one before the Huskies once again pulled away to take 23-16 lead.

Not to be outdone, EMU made another big 5-0 run to get in striking distance. NIU was able to outlast them and put the game away on a kill by sophomore Meagan Schoenrock.

Schoenrock led the Huskies with 22 kills, though it was balance that gave NIU the edge.

NIU had four players reach double-digit kills as freshman Dani D’Ambrose (21 kills), Johnson (15) and Jessica Schultz (11) all joined Schoenrock.

“It’s a lot more relaxing and a lot less stress when everyone is on the same page,” D’Ambrose said. “Our defense was so headstrong tonight. It just feels good to get a win and it was long overdue.”

Along with her 21 kills, D’Ambrose added 10 digs. Joining her with a double-double was Johnson, who reached a career high with 27 digs.

“That is a great double-double for Irene,” Gooden said. “She did not want to lose the game tonight and you could tell.”

The Eagles were led by senior Abby Reenders, who was good for 22 kills and 23 digs.

The Huskies’ win came after they dropped a close match Friday to Central Michigan 3-1, losing 30-28, 30-26, 30-32 and 30-26.

Johnson led NIU with 19 kills, but it was CMU’s Kate Fissel who stole the show. Fissel recorded 23 kills, eight digs and four aces on the night.