A MAC title.

That’s the goal NIU head volleyball coach Ray Gooden has set this season for his team.

“The main expectation is to play at a level where we can compete for the MAC,” the sixth-year coach said.

Just last year, Gooden and the Huskies won the MAC West with a 13-3 record in conference and 20-8 overall. However, the Huskies have a bitter taste left from last season.

Ranked as the No. 2 seed in the MAC tournament, NIU made an early departure at the hands of 10th-seeded Toledo.

However, Gooden realizes his team must adapt from last season to achieve its goal.

“We’re looking for a little consistency from a lot of our players,” Gooden said. “A lot of their roles have changed and many of them are asked to do more.”

More is being asked of these players because, for the first time in four years, NIU is without the combination of Kate McCullagh and Gina Guide. For the past two seasons, the duo has provided NIU with more than 630 kills and 550 digs, respectively.

While the team misses these two players, the Huskies don’t plan on living in the past.

“It’s always a sad thing to lose two great players like that,” senior outside hitter Laura Baetzel said. “But I’m not too worried about how to replace them. It’s now about how we play together.”

And playing together as a balanced team is what many players feel will make this a successful season.

“I think we all have to be on as a team to work well,” outside hitter Irene Johnson said. “If a few people struggle at the same time it’s going to be hard.”

Fans should expect to see more than the same six faces on the court this season, as Gooden believes depth is one of the team’s main strength.

“I just think this team is going to be that — a team,” the head coach said. “It’s not just one or two people every night; it’s going to be a collection. And any given night we can throw out multiple groups at you.”

Gooden already started to show this practice at the NIU Invitational. Both junior Jody Hardwick and freshman Maddie Hughes played at the libero position.

Gooden expects junior Katie Walsh to get some time at the middle blocker spot, as she has the most experience. However, he also believes that “all the middles are talented, with their own unique style.”

There is a chance sophomore middle blocker Joelle Beisel might get some time on the court once she overcomes a right foot injury.

Two years ago, Beisel was fourth on the team in kills, but missed the last few weeks of her freshman season due to the injury. The sophomore then used the 2006 season as a medical redshirt to retain a year of eligibility.

Although multiple groups will be used, the team will aim to achieve a high level of consistency, as Gooden believes this is the team’s largest weakness as of today.

“I know it’s one of those buzz words, but that’s what it comes down to,” the coach said.

One way this consistency will be fostered is through leadership on the court. The coaching staff is looking to its two seniors, Baetzel and setter Mandi Caputo, to develop this relationship on the court.

However, leadership is nothing new to Caputo. The senior already feels like she’s a leader.

“I always feel like a leader because of my position,” the setter said.

With an out-of-conference schedule designed to “develop a style” of play for the team, Gooden knows that every MAC game will be one part of achieving his team’s goal.

“We expect nothing less than last year,” Caputo said. “We expect to be MAC champions this year.”