Senior Appreciation Night proved to be a good one for the NIU volleyball team’s two seniors.

Brooke Dodson and Amanda Newlin, both outside hitters – although Newlin started as setter in this match – played big roles in their final regular-season home match.

NIU now has another home match after this weekend’s victories over Toledo and Bowling Green. The Huskies clinched a first-round home match in the MAC Tournament. They will host Buffalo at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

“It’s one thing to have Senior Night and play, but it’s so difficult emotionally,” Newlin said. “But to get through and have as much fun as we did, and play like we did as a team, it’s so awesome. I’m so glad that we are going to be here.”

Newlin had a career-high 12 assists, as well as three kills and five digs.

Dodson had 12 kills, eight digs and four blocking assists in her final regular-season home match.

“Having the first-round match at home is huge for a lot of us,” Dodson said. “It would have been pretty tough on us, it’s tough on any team to have to travel, whether it would have been Buffalo or Marshall. I’m just glad that we don’t have to make a trip.”

After this weekend’s wins, the Huskies received the No. 6 seed, while Buffalo is No. 11.

“The most important thing about this whole situation is that we get to sleep in our own beds next week,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “Other than that, it’s tournament time, and no matter where you are or who you are playing, you’re going to have play some very good volleyball to win.”