With MAC play opening for the Huskies, there are a few early match-ups which fans can look forward to.

Particularly NIU’s next two games, which take place the weekend of the 28th.

On Friday, NIU faces Central Michigan (9-3) and on Saturday they go up against Eastern Michigan (9-5). Though early in the season, those two teams sit atop the MAC West and will be a big home opening in the MAC for NIU.

Sophomore setter Amanda Tadla is slowly being worked into the Huskies offense and has been consistently having good practices. The Oak Lawn native is making the most of her playing time, averaging 6.22 assists per-game.

“Tadla has been doing some good things,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “I’m feeling more and more confident putting her in games now.”

A familiar face has been on the sidelines for NIU home game this season. Former NIU libero Gina Guide, has been a student assistant and has been working with the team during practice.

“It’s nice that she can see both sides now coaching after playing,” Gooden said.

“She can help the players with the experience she has and can articulate some things well. It’s a pretty cool thing to have players come back.”

In Guide’s four seasons at NIU she racked up 2249 digs including a 6.94 dig per-game average her senior season.