DeKALB | Going into its final MAC games, the NIU women’s soccer team will host two matches this weekend.

NIU (4-9-2 overall, 3-5 MAC) will play against first place Ball State (10-3-3, 5-2-1) Friday at 3 p.m. The Huskies will then face Miami-Ohio on Sunday at noon.

“We still feel like we are right in the middle of the race for the postseason,” head coach Marci Miller said. “All three of our remaining games are at home and we are excited about that.”

Friday’s match between NIU and the Cardinals is the eighth meeting in the series. Ball State owns a 3-2-2 record against the Huskies, including a 2-0 victory last season in Muncie, Ind.

The Huskies were out-shot 18-8 by BSU in that game. The Cardinals’ Emily Rein recorded a goal as well as Sarah Leibel.

“Friday’s game will be a challenge against a good Ball State team,” Miller said.

The Huskies will then take on Miami (6-7-2, 3-3-2). NIU and the Redhawks are meeting for the 10th time in series history. Miami leads the series 6-2-1. Miami is unbeaten in its last seven games against the Huskies, with its last loss to NIU in 1998.

The Huskies have tallied a total of 18 goals this season and are led by Karen Enockson. NIU has allowed only nine goals in eight conference games, led by the strong play of NIU keeper Lindsey Curnock.

Jenn Novielli is a Sports Reporter for the Northern Star.