Playing a team with a current two-match winning streak, having injured players and not being able to win at home is not a good combination for victory.

These are the problems facing the NIU volleyball team (10-8, 3-3 MAC) today as they host Miami (Ohio) (8-10, 2-4 MAC) at 7 p.m. at Victor E. Court.

“They [Miami] are on a two-match winning streak,” coach Ray Gooden said. “We have to step up and stop losing at home.”

One of the more serious injuries happened to Jen VonderHaar. VonderHaar has an MRI today to find out what is wrong with her shoulder.

“She is pretty much doubtful,” Gooden said. “It is something in her right shoulder, either a rotator cuff or tendinitis.”

VonderHaar will have her void filled by Alex Hofmann, who played in both matches this past weekend.

“I have to be ready for the ball every set and every block,” Hofmann said. “I can’t be lazy, I have to be ready.”

Another Huskie who was bit by the injury bug was outside hitter Brooke Dodson, who is also doubtful about playing Miami. Dodson, who injured her left foot, spent time yesterday at the doctor. Gooden said that the injury was either a deep bone bruise or a stress fracture.

“We are really banged up right now,” Gooden said. “It especially hurts at that position [outside hitter] because it takes away from the depth we have there.”