The first taste of a road match was a bitter one for the NIU volleyball team.

But it could end up helping them this weekend at the Buckeye Invitational in Columbus, Ohio.

NIU coach Ray Gooden thinks Tuesday’s loss at Illinois State helped the team adjust to the road.

On Friday, NIU (2-2) will have back-to-back matches, first facing Iona (1-2) at 11:30 a.m., then Lehigh (0-3) at 4 p.m.

The Huskies will have Saturday off to plan for tournament-host Ohio State (3-0). The preseason poll by the American Volleyball Coaches Association ranks the Buckeyes No. 23. It will be NIU’s first ranked opponent of the season.

“At our first home match, we had first match jitters, but we were able to settle ourself down,” Gooden said. “After our first road match, we have a better understanding of what we need to do.”

The Huskies have already had two games in one day when they held the Comfort Inn and Suites Invitational, but Gooden said this is different.

“It’s our first true back-to-back,” Gooden said. “Our ability to go back-to-back should be ok.”

Ohio State is lead by two All-American players and an All-Big Ten player. Senior setter Marisa Main was second-team All-American and junior middle blocker Danielle Meyer was third-team All-American.

Gooden said he is most looking to improve on the consistency of NIU’s performance after losing the first two games, winning the third and losing the fourth.

Andrew Hansen is a Sports Reporter for the Northern Star.