The women’s soccer team (2-3-1) hosts rival Illinois State University (3-1-1) in the final match of the Adidas/Baymont Inn Invitational this weekend at Huskie Soccer Field.

NIU suffered two straight shutout defeats over the weekend at the Creighton Bluejay Classic. Karen Enockson scored NIU’s lone goal against DePaul Sep. 4. Enockson and her team look to kick the offense into high gear and reverse the losing trend that has seen three one-goal defeats.

Goalkeeper Carrie Dvorak and defender Kathryn Sturges both earned spots on the Creighton Bluejay Classic All-Tournament team, and will have their hands full slowing down ISU’s offensive attack.

The marquee match up will be Dvorak trying to stonewall Melissa Routledge of ISU. Routledge leads ISU with four goals and eight points. Dvorak bears a solid 1.17 goals-against-average on the season, accompanied by 33 saves.

NIU coach Marci Miller is content with the team’s effort thus far, and believes the physical competition NIU has faced will be a good stepping stone to MAC play.

“When you look at who we are playing, I am really pleased with our effort,” Miller said. “We defended well (last weekend) against two very good offensive teams.”

NIU begins MAC play with a five-game home stand after hosting ISU.