With three key players not playing for NIU’s volleyball team, the Huskies still were able to pull away with a victory over Miami (Ohio).

Middle blocker Jen VonderHaar, outside hitter Brooke Dodson and setter Jenny Rohren all missed the match because of injuries.

“We just have a bunch of random [injuries], but unfortunately we’re just not that deep,” coach Ray Gooden said.

VonderHaar still is being sidelined with a slight rotator cuff tear in her right shoulder.

Alex Hofmann played in her absence and chipped in with six kills, one solo block and four blocking assists.

VonderHaar’s injury also has affected fellow middle blocker Rena Widboom.

“Rena is playing a spot that she is not used to,” Gooden said. “She is playing the other middle spot. It is just different and she needs to get used to it and get comfortable. So now she has much more responsibility.”

Rohren, a senior, is out because of a bad knee. She was replaced in the lineup with freshman Kerri Royer.

Royer, making her second straight start, ran the offense for the Huskies and dished out 44 assists, had seven digs and one ball handling error.

“She’s a good player,” Royer said of Rohren. “She’s out with an injury right now, so I am just going to step up and do the best that I can. She helps me out a lot.”

Dodson, who dressed but did not play, allowed Tenisha Wilkins and Tera Lobdell to get more total attacks as they combined for 105 attempts.

Dodson had an MRI yesterday to find out what is wrong with her feet. Dodson thinks a stress fracture is possible.

“We are hoping to get her back in a week or so,” Gooden said. “She is just trying to get herself better.”

There might be some trouble with having all of these injuries, but these injuries allow other people to step up and contribute.

“We have players playing every which way,” Gooden said. “There is not one set lineup so people are going to have to fill in at all times to make something happen. That’s all that we can ask for.”