DeKALB | For two games the NIU volleyball team hung with No. 21 Ohio. But in the end, the Huskies just didn’t have enough firepower to keep up.

After beating Kent State 3-1 on Friday, NIU fell short against the Bobcats, losing 25-30 in Game 1, winning Game 2 32-30 and losing Games 3 and 4 18-30 and 26-30. Ohio (18-3 overall, 10-0 MAC) kept its MAC record perfect with the win.

“It was a tough match for us,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “In Game 1 we were down 13-3 but fought back and in Game 2 it was back and forth the whole way.”

Despite the loss to Ohio, NIU (15-7, 8-2) remains in control of the MAC West; three games better than Central Michigan, which is 5-5.

“We did some things good out there. We just weren’t consistent,” Gooden said. “We go through stretches like that sometimes and we need to cut down on them.”

As expected, Ohio’s Ellen Herman and Melissa Griffin continued their strong offensive play, combining for 43 kills.

Senior Kate McCullagh led NIU with 17 kills, followed by Meagan Schoenrock’s 14 and Laura Baetzel’s 12.

Despite their offense being outdone by Ohio just one day earlier, the Huskies offense was second to none against the Golden Flashes.

NIU jumped on Kent State (13-9, 6-4) early and won in four matches.

McCullagh’s performance was key as she went for 30 kills while posting a .426 hitting percentage. Schoenrock followed behind her with 15 kills and a .419 clip.

Senior Gina Guide posted 39 digs while Mandi Caputo went for 66 assists.