DeKALB | After nearly 1,000 miles traveled, most people would need a nap. But there was no rest for the NIU volleyball team — they had a tournament to play.

The Huskies (6-3) took second place in the UConn Toyota Classic this weekend after winning their first two matches and losing to eventual champion and tournament-host Connecticut.

“I like how we can put ourselves in a spot to play for [the championship],” said NIU head coach Ray Gooden. “But we want to come home with the hardware.”

Connecticut (8-0) swept NIU 30-24, 30-24 and 30-25 in the championship. UConn took advantage of the Huskies’ .106 hitting percentage and added 14 total blocks.

Seniors Kate McCullagh and libero Gina Guide were named to the all-tournament team.

To start the weekend, NIU swept Quinnipiac (0-10) 30-15, 30-16 and 30-10. The Bobcats’ total scores are the lowest scoring totals the Huskies has allowed in the rally scoring era.

“It’s great for the girls,” Gooden said. “We got contributions from everybody.”

NIU kept the momentum going into their second match of the tournament against Boston College, as the Huskies swept 30-28, 30-15, and 30-19. McCullagh had 22 kills to lead the Huskies and junior outside hitter Laura Baetzel had 13.

“As far as the level of competition was this weekend, it’s similar to what we’re going to face in the MAC,” Gooden said.

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