DeKALB | The NIU volleyball team has a chance to clinch a MAC West championship at 7 p.m. tonight against Western Michigan on Victor E. Court.

The Broncos, who have struggled lately, carry a record of 14-12, 4-8 in the MAC. NIU is atop the MAC West with a 10-2 conference record and 17-7 overall record.

Despite its recent struggles, Western Michigan still boasts a potent offense, ranking third in the MAC in both kills and hitting percentage.

“They are a physical team with a lot of hitters,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “They are very fast and efficient and we can’t let that frustrate us.”

Kathryn Babcock leads them with 3.89 kills per game, followed by Ashley Vogl, who averages 3.06. Vogl is one of the more efficient players in the MAC and ranks fifth with a hitting percentage of .299.

“They get a lot from Babcock and Vogl,” Gooden said. “They have a lot of balance, though. Their setter [Jenifer Sulewski] does a great job spreading it out.”

Spreading out the offense has been a key for the Huskies these last few weeks as they have received solid contributions from several outside hitters, with Kate McCullagh and Meagan Schoenrock leading the way.

In its last seven matches, NIU has seen four players reach double-digit kills three times.

According to Gooden, that may be just what the Huskies need against Western Michigan.

“I think this one is going to need a total team effort,” Gooden said. “It’s going to take four people reaching double digits. It could turn into a slug-fest out there.”