April 27, 2007

DeKalb, Ill. -- With the 2007 campaign quickly approaching, the Northern Illinois volleyball team used the spring season to their advantage as the Huskies competed in three tournaments and finished with an overall record of 26-9 in games played, including a share of Loyola's Three Wise Men Tournament title.  

"I think we had a very positive spring," NIU head coach Ray Gooden said. "I was very excited for our team to play in nearly 40 games in order to gain experience as a group, especially with the loss of seniors Gina [Guide] and Kate [McCullagh].

"We also took some big positive steps in the weight room with the help of strength coach Chad Bower."

NIU opened up the spring season as the host of the Salvani Spring Playdate, and finished the tournament with a mark of 14-2, sweeping six of their eight games.

The Huskies then entered the Chicago Spring Challenge the following week and comprised a .500 record of 5-5 in a 13-team tournament that featured squads from the Missouri Valley, Big Ten and Big East Conferences.

Loyola's season-ending Three Wise Men Tournament was a productive one, as the Huskies claimed a share of the championship after a mark of 6-2.

NIU, the 2006 Mid-American Conference West Division Champions, return All-MAC second team and All-Freshman selection Meagan Schoenrock (Sylvania, Ohio) and starting setter Mandi Caputo (Chicago, Ill.) and outside hitter Laura Baetzel (Chicago, Ill.) back to the line-up.  

--NIU--