DeKALB | Deja vu will soon strike the NIU volleyball team.

In less than two weeks the Huskies have played Central and Eastern Michigan. This time though, the matches are at home for NIU.

The Huskies (10-6 overall, 3-1 MAC) will face off against CMU and EMU at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, respectively, at Victor E. Court.

“It’s not that we’re more comfortable this time,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “But we’re familiar with them. They’re fresh in my mind.”

First up for NIU is the Chippewas. In their September match, it came down to the last game to declare a winner.

After NIU went up 2-0, the Chippewas (11-4, 2-2) came back to win two straight games and tied the match. But the Huskies prevailed in the final game.

NIU continues its quest against the state of Michigan with EMU (5-10, 4-4). Their previous match this season ended with NIU winning 3-1 and the Eagles winning the third game to prevent a sweep.

Gooden said he is looking for the Huskies to play good volleyball consistently for the whole match compared to the previous matches.

NIU last saw action almost a week ago. Gooden believes the week-long break has been a benefit.

“We were able to use the full week to prepare for this week,” Gooden said.

Andrew Hansen is the NIU volleyball beat reporter for the Northern Star.