DeKALB | This Friday and Saturday, the NIU volleyball team will get a second shot at victory as it takes on Toledo and Ball State, starting at 7 p.m. at Victor E. Court.

Earlier this season, NIU fell to Ball State in three sets and to Toledo after five. As of right now, NIU (12-11, 6-4 MAC) ranks third in the MAC standings, while Toledo (14-8, 5-5 MAC) sits at fourth and Ball State (10-13, 3-7 MAC) at fifth.

Though Toledo had a rough start to the MAC season, opening up at 2-5, the team has won its last three consecutive games to finally even out its standing. Toledo, however, is not the only team coming into the game off a great win. After claiming a solid victory against Kent State in front of many supportive fans, the NIU volleyball team will come into its match against Toledo with a good mind set.

“We’re really hoping to capitalize on the great energy of last weekend,” said NIU head coach Ray Gooden. “I hope the crowd realizes how much of an impact they have with our volleyball team’s emotion.”

The Huskies will look for a win on Saturday as a Halloween treat as they go up against Ball State. Their last encounter with the Cardinals during the MAC season opener was a difficult one. NIU couldn’t put a stop to the Cardinals offense, as it fell 25-13, 25-15 and 25-16.

“It feels like it was so long ago,” Gooden said. “We feel like we have improved, but we know they improved as well.”

With over half of its conference games behind them, the MAC tournament is starting to creep into the front of everyone’s mind.

“Everyone’s still fighting for the chance to play in Toledo for the MAC tournament,” Gooden said.

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