NIU looks for a change of pace this weekend when it hits the road for the first time this season, heading to Indianapolis to compete in the Butler Invitational.

The slumping Huskies (1-3) first face Utah Valley (0-1) Friday at 2 p.m., followed by a double header Saturday against Tennessee Tech (2-1) and Butler (1-3). Those matches take place at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m respectively.

NIU comes off a tough loss to Illinois State in which it had many opportunities, but were unable to take advantage. Irene Johnson led the team with 19 kills.

Utah Valley also comes off a tough loss in a five game match. The Wolverines are led by seasoned veteran Jessica Endres.

The senior middle blocker has been named all-conference two consecutive seasons and leads her team in blocks and kills while hitting for a .345 clip.

Unlike Utah Valley, Tennessee Tech is led by a freshmen who has been the Golden Eagles workhorse this season. Outside hitter Leah Meffert is averaging over 3.5 kills a game and has posted double-doubles in kills and digs in all three of the team’s matches.

To finish off the weekend, NIU faces Butler, who has also had some troubles early in the season. After winning their first match, the Bulldogs have dropped three straight.

Most of their damage is done by a pair of underclassmen in freshman outside hitter Jessica Wolfe and sophomore outside hitter Porshia Allen. Both players are averaging over 3.5 kills a game.

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