After sitting out three consecutive matches, outside hitter Jen VonderHaar was happy to be back on the floor.

“It was a lot less stressful for me to be on the court than off the court,” VonderHaar said. “I was a little out of volleyball shape. I was huffing and puffing for a little while.”

The Minnesota native had 15 kills and was the only Huskie to hit over .300. She also had two block solos and five block assists.

She had 10 kills through two games, both of which the Huskies won. However, she managed only five kills in the next three games combined — all Huskie losses.

Middle blocker Rena Widboom also was glad to see her teammate back on the court. Widboom was forced to play out of position while VonderHaar was sidelined.

“I’ve been playing [the second middle blocker] spot now for four years,” Widboom said. “I’m comfortable with it, so having her back in there in her usual rotation is definitely helpful.”

Widboom had two block solos and five block assists, but only eight kills and a .125 attack percentage.

Even with the return of their consistent middle blocker, the Huskies dropped Saturday’s match to unbeaten Akron in five games.

The Huskies were 1-2 in VonderHaar’s absence.

NIU coach Ray Gooden was glad to see VonderHaar back on the court helping the team.

“I think everyone wants to see Jen have the best possible senior year she can have,” Gooden said. “She brings that aura on the court.”