Illinois State’s Redbird Arena in Normal can be intimidating to play in. NIU coach Ray Gooden is well aware of this.

“ISU is probably one of the best places in the country to play,” Gooden said. “They average over 1,000 people and even had 5,600 for one match. It’ll be different for us, playing in a big venue.”

The Huskies (8-5) and Redbirds (4-8) meet for the 46th time with ISU leading the all-time series 27-18. NIU has won the last four meetings.

Despite NIU’s recent success against ISU, Gooden said the Redbirds have some talented individuals that could pose a problem.

“They’ve got a really strong middle in Jenny Kabbes,” Gooden said. “They also have a good outside hitter in Staci Boyce. They are two solid threats.”

Kabbes leads the team with 3.37 kills per game. Boyce averages 3.05 kills a contest. Senior Erin Jones should prove to be a force while serving with her 22 service aces.

For the Huskies, Rena Widboom, Jen VonderHaar, Tera Lobdell and Tenisha Wilkins all have the potential to step up and produce.

On Saturday, Widboom set a career high with 22 kills, and hit at .439. VonderHaar added 16 kills.

Lobdell posted a career-high 25 kills against ISU last year, and Tenisha Wilkins registered 26 kills in Redbird Arena two years ago.

The game is a homecoming of sorts for NIU setter Jenny Rohren. She calls Normal home.

“This is a big rivalry game and it’s a match we’re focusing on,” Gooden said. “This begins a tough stretch for us. We have to control the tempo. If the game is slow and physical then that favors them. If it’s fast and up-tempo then that’ll favor us.”