DeKALB | The NIU volleyball team’s reward for winning the MAC West was a No. 2 seed in the MAC Tournament in Toledo.

Unfortunately for them, it may not be much of a reward, as they open up the tournament against No. 10 seed Toledo at 11 a.m. today.

Not only is Toledo the only team that can lay claim to true home-court advantage, it also carries momentum, having won five of its last six matches.

“They’re hot right now and they’re playing with lots of confidence,” said NIU coach Ray Gooden.

Though the Huskies beat the Rockets in both meetings this season, in their first match, Toledo gave them a run before falling 3-1.

In that match, Toledo had three players in double-digit kills and five players almost reached it. That type of spread offense is what coach Gooden is looking for out of his team.

“We’ve been stressing that all season and now is the time for it to pay off,” Gooden said. “Some of our best matches have been ones that were balanced.”

The Huskies should get good looks offensively as Toledo is last in the MAC in blocking.

Kate Bean leads the Rockets’ offensive attack, going for 3.72 kills per game.

NIU has some momentum as well, having won its last three matches of the regular season. According to Gooden, there were enough positives for the team draw on come tournament time.

“I think we did some real good things, especially serving,” Gooden said. “It really helps put pressure on the other team.”

The Huskies may be playing short-handed as defensive specialist Maria Benitez is listed as doubtful after missing the last two matches of the season with a hand injury.