This weekend, the NIU volleyball team has a chance to do something it hasn’t done since Sept. 8 – get its record back to .500.

The Huskies are currently sitting at 9-11 overall and an even 3-3 in MAC play.

To get back to .500 they will have to play well on the road as they travel to Akron (9-10, 1-5) and Buffalo (2-20, 1-5) to compete in a pair of MAC crossover games.

First up is a 5 p.m. game against the Zips who have had their share of difficulties this season. After starting out the season by winning eight of its first 10 matches, Akron has since dropped eight of nine.

Akron is led by sophomore outside hitter Brionna Patterson and freshman middle blocker Jess Antosz.

Patterson is averaging 3.75 kills per game while Antosz is second in the MAC with 1.17 blocks per game.

“Akron can be physical at the net,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “They’re known for their defense and they have multiple kids who can be physical on the outside.”

Similarly, Buffalo, who NIU faces at 6 p.m., is also a defensive team. The Bulls recently had a 12-game losing streak broken by the Zips.

Freshman outside hitter Richelle Bigelow plays both sides of the ball well for Buffalo. She leads them with 2.43 kills per game and three digs per game.

“Both teams are pretty similar,” Gooden said. “It has made our practices more consistent but each team still has its nuances.”

On NIU’s side of the net, the Huskies will need to continue to play strong defense. With the Huskies leading the MAC in digs, both games will likely be defensive battles.

Junior Irene Johnson has been a big part of the Huskies defense and the MAC has taken notice as she was named MAC West Player of the Week.

With defense being a theme, one of the keys for the Huskies will be winning the long rallies.

“Our ability to serve and pass will be big,” Gooden said. “But it’s going to come down to who can win the rallies."

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