The quest for a berth in the MAC championships became more of a reality for the NIU women’s soccer team this weekend.

The Huskies, who have not made a postseason appearance since 1999, came one step closer after Friday’s 2-0 win over Akron (3-10 overall 1-7 MAC).

“It’s a great win,” NIU coach Frank Horvat said. “We did a nice job scoring early and that just boosted our confidence.”

Junior midfielder Angeline Impelido struck first for the Huskies (6-4-5, 3-2-5) from 10 yards out at 3:16 to put them up 1-0.

NIU tacked on another goal in the second half after junior midfielder Christie Ehrhardt scored at 67:59 on a rebound.

“This win was very important for us,” said NIU goalkeeper Carrie Dvorak. “We have the capability to beat any team in the MAC and we have been taking advantage of opportunities.”

The Huskies were also in action on Sunday as the only MAC team without a conference game.

NIU hosted Centenary College (11-4-1) on Senior Day and honored the team’s lone senior Jamie Figura but could not get her a victory in her final career home game.

Centenary’s Rachel Alexander scored the game’s only goal in the 34th minute on a header off a free kick, handing the Huskies their fourth loss of the season.

The Huskies had several opportunities to tie with two shots that bounced off the post but couldn’t convert and ended their four-match unbeaten streak.

“These non-conference games are tough later in the year,” Horvat said. “We need to focus our thoughts on two really big games next weekend.”

“It was important to get healthy. This is going to be the biggest weekend of the year for us,” he said.