The NIU volleyball team will hit the road for the first time in two weeks to take on rival Ball State (13-8 overall, 6-4 MAC) at 6 p.m. in Muncie, Ind. today.

The Huskies (13-2, 6-4) beat Ball State just two weeks ago in a thrilling five-game match.

Middle blocker Kate McCullagh recorded 31 kills, and seniors Marie Zidek and Megan Sprangers produced 31 and 24 digs, respectively.

Coach Ray Gooden knows he will need a stellar effort from his players again in order to beat a team that is 8-1 at home this season.

“Ball State has always been a rival for me playing and coaching,” the former Ohio State athlete said. “It’s always a good fight and should produce great energy in our players.”

Middle blocker Joelle Beisel will have plenty of energy tonight, as her hometown of Rossville is about two hours from Ball State.

“It’s kind of like being back at home,” Beisel said. “I have some people coming to the game to cheer for us.”

Beisel will also get the chance to play against friend and Ball State attacker Kirby Gibson for the second time this season.

“I played against her a lot at home,” the freshman said. “It’s sort of the same; nothing new.”

The Huskies will head further east after the game today, playing against Toledo (13-9, 6-4) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Huskies’ last encounter with the Rockets ended with a five-game loss in which NIU posted a -.211 hitting percentage in game five.

That low hitting percentage was heavily due to the Rockets’ defense, which holds opponents to a .160 hitting percentage.

In order to break though this defensive wall, NIU has been practicing some new moves on Victor E. Court.

“We’ve been working a lot on hitting shots we’re not used to making,” Zidek said. “This should allow us to make adjustments when attacking.”

Toledo also comes into Saturday’s game leading the MAC with an average of 1.84 service aces per game.

“They are very aggressive when serving,” Gooden said. “We need to show that same aggressiveness.”

Zidek knows it will take good footwork and early communication to combat this aggressive force.

“The key to success is our defense,” Beisel said. “If we can pass the ball well, we can put the ball away.”