DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University volleyball team took to the floor against outside competition for the first time this fall as they took on UW Parkside in an exhibition match on Friday afternoon (Aug. 18) in the NIU Convocation Center. 

"I thought we did a really good job," said NIU head coach Sondra Parys. "The one thing we talked about at the end of the game is that we started out really strong, came out with a lot of intensity and a lot of fire. One thing for us is learning what type of team we are and, if we start strong, how can we maintain that. It is something that we did really well tonight and we found a way to get it done in three."

Having started preseason 11 days ago, Parys has been pleased with the strides that her team has made during that time. 

"There are a lot of improvements," said Parys. "We are implementing a lot; we are giving them a lot of feedback. Breaking habits takes time, but every time we give them something, they are changing it right away. They are a coachable group and now it is just learning how to maintain those habits without us having to repeat it. But they are making a lot of changes and it is coming together really well."

With six new faces since the spring season, Friday's exhibition provided a valuable experience for Parys to see her team play together for the first time. 

"It is (valuable), to see them all work together," said Parys. "(To see) how confident they are, especially with us throwing them in different scenarios, to see who handles that. An exhibition, pressure-wise, is a little bit different from a real match, but overall, it is super beneficial for both teams to get that experience, it is awesome."

The exhibition also provided the first-year Huskie head coach with her first taste of what it is like being a head coach.

"It felt good," said Parys. "I think next weekend is going to be a higher intensity and energy, which I'm excited for. It was a really good first match for us, and for me to get comfortable in this role and with my coaching staff."

NIU Volleyball will open the regular season with a pair of home matches next weekend. The Huskies will host Chicago State on Friday night, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. before welcoming Illinois to the NIU Convocation Center on Saturday night, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m. 

Season tickets for NIU volleyball are on sale now beginning at just $30 for general admission seats. A Huskie Four-Pack is available at $90 and additional seats can be purchased for $22.50 per seat. Courtside seats on the south side of Victor E. Court are available for $180, which includes a season ticket and Premium Seat License. All orders have a $5 handling fee.