DeKALB, Ill.--- Rallying from two sets down, the Northern Illinois University Huskies volleyball team (8-2, 1-0 MAC) defeated the Chippewas of Central Michigan University (3-10, 0-1 MAC) in a five-set thriller inside Victor E. Court on Thursday evening (Sept. 25). The Chippewas posted set scores of 25-14, 25-20 before NIU rallied with set scores of 25-23, 25-22, 15-11.
 
The Huskies last started the season with a record of 8-2 during the 2011 season.
 
Emma McCartney (Cleveland, Ohio/Chardon) set a new career best in service aces with four as the Huskies tallied seven as a team.
 
With five solo blocks, Rylea Alvin (Randolph, Wis./Randolph) set a career best as she led the Huskies with seven blocks.
 
Ava Grevengoed (Shorewood, Ill./Joliet West) recorded her sixth double-double of the season and 19th career with 11 kills and 11 digs.
 
"I knew we were never out of it because of what I've seen in the gym. We had a tough conversation after set two and they (the team) knew what they needed to do," said Head Coach Sondra D'Amore. "The belief that no matter what is happening, that they can still win is something that can't be taught and I'm proud of them. Every match is going to be that tough in conference and we can learn a lot from tonight."
 
How It Happened
 
Grevengoed and McCartney combined for three early kills as the Huskies took a 6-3 lead over the Chippewas in the opening set. The Chippewas responded with a 9-4 run as they took a 12-10 lead. A block by Alvin would put the Huskies within two late as Central Michigan took the first set on an 11-2 run.
 
The teams would battle in the set second early as neither gained more than a two-point advantage. Alexa Hayes (Magnolia, Texas/Magnolia West) connected with Grevengoed for a kill and an 11-10 NIU lead before Central Michigan responded with back-to-back points. McCartney recorded one of four service aces amid a 5-2 NIU run as they took a 16-14 lead late. Central Michigan had five unanswered points before an Alvin block scored one of four final points for the Huskies in the set.
 
Starting the third set, NIU opened on a 5-2 run as momentum began to shift. Autumn Flynn (Luxemburg, Wis./Luxemburg-Casco) started a 6-1 run as NIU went up by seven points near the midway point of the set. The Chippewas began chipping away at the Huskies lead, coming with four at 17-13 on an NIU attacking error. McCartney answered with back-to-back kills for the Huskies as the Chippewas went on a 3-0 run. Central Michigan tied the set at 21 before Grevengoed recorded a kill as NIU ended the set on a 4-2 run.
 
McCartney had two early kills as NIU opened the fourth set, 4-1, as Central Michigan would bring the game within one at 7-6. Ella Strausberger (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield North) recorded her lone kill as NIU went on a 6-2 run as they went up by five near the midway point. Central Michigan had six unanswered points to take a 14-13 lead before a 3-1 run by NIU gave the Huskies a 16-15 advantage. The set was at 17 before Grevengoed and McCartney teamed up for back-to-back kills. The final tie came at 21 as McCartney was a key part of a 4-1 NIU run to even the match at 2-2.
 
The Huskies fell into a four-point deficit to start the fifth and final set. A kill from Flynn started the Huskies on a 5-1 run as they took an 8-6 lead at the halfway point. Central Michigan answered the Huskies scoring run and tied the set at 11 on back-to-back kills. Alvin had two major blocks in the Huskies final four points as they claimed the conference opening win.
 
The Huskies return to action on September 26 at 6 p.m. as they welcome the Eagles of Eastern Michigan to Victor E. Court for a "Wear Red" game. To purchase tickets, please click here or call the NIU Athletics Tickets Office at 815-753-PACK (7225).

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