Aug. 9, 2010

DeKALB, Ill. - The members of the Northern Illinois volleyball team officially put summer behind them as they reported for preseason camp yesterday, marking the true beginning of the 2010 season.

This year's Huskies started preparation for the upcoming campaign by doing the annual "river test," which is an intense conditioning drill, and followed with a practice session. Later, the group met at ninth-year head coach Ray Gooden's house for a team dinner.

After dinner, Gooden gave the yearly "preseason speech" to the team. This season's goal: Win the Mid-American Conference to get to the NCAA Tournament. Last season, the Huskies earned a bye in the first round of the MAC Tournament, marking the second time that Gooden has accomplished the feat. This year, NIU is looking to take the next step.

Following 11 more days of practice, the route to the next step starts with the annual NIU Invitational on August 27-28 at Victor E. Court. The season opener will be against Chicago State at noon Central, and later that evening, the Huskies will take on Oakland at 7 p.m.

The NIU roster that will soon face the Cougars is comprised of seven returners, including 2009 MAC Defensive Player of the Year Maddie Hughes and second team All-MAC selection Allison McGlaughlin, and six newcomers.

-NIU-