The Mid-American Conference (MAC) volleyball season is in full swing and from surprise contenders making early noise to defending champions trying to find their rhythm, the balance of power remains unsettled. Here are the key storylines to watch this weekend.
Northern Illinois’ Early Dominance
Northern Illinois (9-2, 2-0 MAC) has emerged as one of the season’s biggest surprises. Picked to finish 11th in the 2025 MAC coaches’ poll, the Huskies are defying expectations and putting together their best campaign in years. Their success stems from a balanced approach on both sides of the net.
NIU ranks fifth in blocks, third in service aces, second in opponent hitting percentage, third in opponent assists and fourth in both opponent kills and service aces allowed. They have proven they can generate offense when needed while shutting down opposing attacks.
Much of the team’s progress is credited to a young roster led by third-year head coach Sondra D’Amore. Last season, D’Amore guided seven athletes to Academic All-MAC honors—the fourth straight year the program has achieved that mark. Now her squad is making noise on the court as well.
Standout performances include middle blocker Alvin Rylea, who ranks in the MAC’s top 10 for blocks with 42 this season. Defensive specialist Jordyn Tynsky has emerged as a two-way threat, ranking in the top 10 in service aces (0.42 per set) and seventh in digs (3.71 per set), good for fifth in the conference.
Western Michigan’s Slow Start, Strong Conference Play
The Broncos enter the season aiming to defend their tournament crown. They hold a 5-10 overall record but have started conference play with a perfect 2-0 mark after wins over Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan last weekend.
Western Michigan faces a tough upcoming schedule, including the Miami RedHawks, a determined squad, and preseason breakout favorites Ball State.
Despite the slow start, Western Michigan boasts key players such as Elana Erickson, who leads the MAC in digs with 274 this season—averaging 4.81 per set—and holds a career total of 487 digs and middle blocker Mary Clare Brusek, whom was predicted to be on the ALL MAC this year looking to provide the offensive and defense they need to find themselves back on track.
Coach Colleen Munson, the winningest coach in program history, knows exactly what she wants from her athletes and remains committed to keeping Western Michigan a force in the MAC.
Akron Shows Signs of Life
Akron entered the season with modest expectations, much like Northern Illinois. The Zips currently hold a 7-6 overall record despite starting 0-2 in MAC play. Last weekend, Akron pushed Miami to five sets and kept Ball State close in four sets, demonstrating their ability to challenge stronger opponents and disrupt expectations.
Akron ranks fourth in points, third in hitting percentage, second in assists, and second in kills in the conference, positioning itself as a potential breakout team this season. As for this weekend, they compete with Ohio and Kent State, two teams currently finding themselves below .500.
Sophomore Delaney Gash has emerged as a standout, ranking fifth in points and fourth in kills in the conference. She led her team with 110 total attempts in last weekend’s matches. Other key contributors include Jordyn Aeschliman, who ranks eighth in hitting percentage, and Martina Villani, fourth in assists.
In under three years as coach, Tyson Norton hasn’t seen a team with a winning record, but this season, look for the ducks to be a team that will be stingy all year.
