First come the wins, then come the accolades.

The NIU volleyball picked up those wins last weekend and now junior outside-hitter Irene Johnson is reaping the benefits as she was named MAC West Player of the Week for her performances against Toledo and Ball State.

Friday against Toledo, the Schaumburg native recorded 14 kills and 12 digs. She followed that up Saturday with a 16 kill, 12 dig performance against Ball State, giving her three consecutive double-doubles.

“I think it’s great,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “It’s cool the conference is recognizing her performance.”

The three double-digit dig games in a row match the total number she had in the 17 games leading up to it.

The streak started with a dominating 15 kill, 27 dig outing in a win over Eastern Michigan.

“She just wants it,” Gooden said. “She’s trying to prove herself out there and is doing a good job.”

Johnson joins freshman Dani D’Ambrose as the only Huskies to receive MAC Player of the Week honors so far this season.

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