The Boilermakers and the Panthers.

They sound like a couple of gangs.

In fact, they are the two criminals who beat up the Huskies on the volleyball courts of Oxford, Ohio, in the University of Miami Invitational this weekend.

But the Huskies managed to salvage one victory and return to DeKalb with a 4-2 overall record.

“I knew it was going to be a tough tournament,” coach Pete Waite confessed.

That’s an understatement.

The Huskies played a total of 14 games, seven of which were decided by two points (four in one match). Setter Shelby Snyder broke her little finger and defensive extraordinaire Nikki Kozak aggravated her right shoulder, where she had offseason surgery.

Things began Friday against Purdue. In a grueling battle that lasted two hours and 35 minutes, the Huskies came away with the short stick, losing 14-16, 16-14, 14-16, 15-10, 19-17.

Whew!

But, the Huskies didn’t let the stubborn loss get to them, as they came out spiking against the host Redskins. Winning 15-13, 11-15, 15-17, 15-13, the Huskies had evened up their tournament ledger.

Up came the University of Pittsburgh.

Trench warfare would haunt the Huskies once again as they fell 15-12, 16-18, 15-12, 11-15, 15-8.

Waite was honest on his teams’ efforts.

“We weren’t as strong as we were last weekend against Bowling Green,” he admitted. “The focus and concentration weren’t there.”

On the bright side, Kori Schauer and Becky Ramsey shined for the Huskies. Schauer nailed down 43 kills (22 versus Purdue) while adding 13 digs and 15 blocks. Tri-captain Ramsey notched 40 kills and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Waite also alluded to the fact that his Huskies were struggling. With the close matches, struggling hardly seems appropriate. But Waite disagrees.

“That’s how good I think we really are,” he insisted. “They still fought hard and had every opportunity to win.”

The Huskies will get another chance Tuesday against Bradley, who they beat in straight sets last year in Peoria. Game time for the home opener is 7 p.m. at Chick Evans Field House.