As MAC play begins this weekend, the NIU volleyball team is finally getting close to healthy.

The Huskies (4-8) continue their string of what will be nine-straight road matches at 7 p.m. tonight against Eastern Michigan and wrap up versus Bowling Green at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Megan Markowski returned to the Huskies’ starting lineup Tuesday with nine kills and three blocks in a win at Loyola after missing five matches with a foot injury.

Sophomore middle blocker Kate McCullagh said having the senior middle blocker back in the front row was a definite boost for the squad.

“It was more comfortable with her on the court,” McCullagh said. “She has a definite presence on the floor, mostly because of her experience. I think it helps her confidence to know she hasn’t lost her edge in the time she had off.”

Head Coach Ray Gooden said he hopes freshman outside hitter Laura Baetzel will play this weekend after missing the last six matches with shoulder tendonitis. Junior Megan Sprangers and freshman Amy Ward have filled in at the right outside hitter position in her absence.

“Ward is trying to grow and she’s starting to understand what we are expecting out of her,” Gooden said. “And Sprangers is giving the best possible effort. Her strength is in the back row, but she can really let loose at the net and score. Everyone’s trying to do the best job that they can.”

In Markowski’s absence, McCullagh came to the forefront offensively, scoring a career-high 27 kills last weekend against South Florida. McCullagh’s scoring output has made her a second option in an offense largely centered around senior outside hitter Tera Lobdell, NIU coach Ray Gooden said.

“We’re hoping she is a very viable threat for us,” Gooden said. “Kate needs to maintain being our emotional leader because she brings an energy to our team.”