March 14, 2006

Toledo, OH -The Northern Illinois University volleyball squad put up a fight for the ages in the opening game of their match against the University of Toledo on Saturday afternoon at Savage Hall.

Unfortunately for the Huskies, the Rockets staved off five game points in the contest to earn the 37-35 win over NIU and completed the three-game sweep with victories in games two (30-25) and three (30-22) to pick up the Mid-American Conference triumph.

"It was just like last night (against Ball State)," Northern Illinois Head Volleyball Coach Ray Gooden said. "We just couldn't make that one play to end the game."

Toledo's Kate Bean recorded a match-high, 18 kills and finished with a double-double along with 13 digs. Corrie Magnus added 14 kills in the win, followed by 13 kills from Kelsey Culver. Rockets' setter Emi Holsclaw also posted a double-double of 53 assists and 13 digs.

With the victory, Toledo improves to 14-10 overall and 7-5 in Mid-American Conference play, while the Huskies fall to 12-15 on the campaign and 4-8 in MAC action.

NIU's Kate McCullagh (Woodstock) chipped in 12 kills and nine digs in the loss, while teammate Corinne Walsh (Evergreen Park) added 10 kills. Junior libero Gina Guide (Orland Park) added a team-best, 17 digs.

"We put ourselves in this spot," Gooden said. "We are at a point where we now have to get over the hump and back on track with a win."

NIU will be back in action on Thursday night, as they will host Western Michigan for a 7 p.m. first serve at Victor E. Court.

(For further information, please contact Matt Brendich) - NIU -