DeKALB | For the NIU women’s volleyball team to sweep the weekend, it needed to do something it had not done in 14 years — win at Ball State.

The Huskies lost Game 1 27-30 but came back to win the next three games 30-16, 30-24 and 30-25 to defeat Ball State (6-14 overall, 3-5 MAC).

With Saturday’s win, the Huskies (14-6, 7-1) conquered the 14-year obstacle and got out to their best conference start since 1997.

“We had a slow start,” said coach Ray Gooden. “But it didn’t feel like it was out of control.”

Senior middle blocker Kate McCullagh and sophomore setter Mandi Caputo posted double-doubles in the win. McCullagh had 19 kills and 14 digs while Caputo added 53 assists and 15 digs.

Outside hitters Irene Johnson and Meagan Schoenrock posted double-digit kills with 16 and 11. Johnson also posted a team season-best hitting percentage of .667.

“We couldn’t have done it without a focused team effort,” Gooden said.

On Friday, seniors McCullagh and libero Gina Guide lead the Huskies to a four-game win over Toledo (5-15, 2-5). The Huskies won Game 1 35-33, lost Game 2 21-30 but won the next two games 30-25 and 30-27.

“We came out strong,” Gooden said. “[In game two] we got our composure back and played good volleyball after that. We didn’t quit and came out on the positive end.”

McCullagh posted 30 kills for the third time this season and Guide tied the MAC record for digs in a match with 50.

“It’s great for the seniors to step up the way they did,” Gooden said.

Outside hitter Laura Baetzel had a career-high 18 kills and Caputo added 57 assists.

The weekend sweep puts the Huskies at the top of the division by four games.

“We’re happy where we are,” Gooden said. “But it’s only halfway done.”