As Northwestern heads north for two evenly matched road contests in the upper reaches of the Midwest, it may have to adapt to playing in the cold to stay hot.

The No. 19 Wildcats (14-6, 2-1 Big Ten) will look to extend their winning streak to five as they face off against Wisconsin (12-2, 3-0) on Friday and Minnesota (13-4, 2-1) on Sunday.

NU began its season in top form, running out to a 10-0 record while notching wins over numerous competitive teams and rising to a peak of No. 7 in the country. The Cats then lost three tight matches at the ITA National Championships to highly ranked teams in three days and went on a skid that included six losses in seven matches.

Now, after a three-week break, and facing less strenuous competition, the team has won three in a row — including two Big Ten matches last weekend. That confidence could be critical when facing off on the road against two tough conference opponents.

“It was good to get some (wins); it gives us some confidence and we are playing better,” sophomore Jason Seidman said. “I guess we’re refreshed from the break so it gives us some confidence going in.”

The Cats also may have to deal with playing outside for the first time this season. This weekend’s matches will be played outside unless the temperature is under 50 degrees or the wind is greater than 20 mph. Though the Wisconsin match is likely to be indoors, there is a chance the weather in Minnesota will be satisfactory to play outside.

Playing outdoors in the elements on courts that are typically slower presents new challenges after NU has played and practiced indoors for much of the season.

“You have to be more patient outside and the ball is a little bit slower,” coach Arvid Swan said. “You gotta be willing to play longer points typically … We need to get some practice over the next couple days outside just to be well prepared.”

Swan’s desire to get in outdoor reps means the team had to bundle up to practice outside Tuesday in 45 degree weather.

These two matches will be important to NU’s conference standing as Wisconsin is tied with Ohio State with a 3-0 record at the top of the Big Ten, and Minnesota is tied with the Cats and others at 2-1. Wisconsin is currently ranked No. 30 and Minnesota is No. 33, good for fifth and sixth in the Big Ten, respectively.

This weekend has the chance to be a turning point for NU as it seeks to secure two quality wins in difficult road environments.

“No matter what position we’re playing we got to overcome adversity playing a lot of Big Ten schools in hostile environments,” senior Konrad Zieba said. “A lot of times you don’t know if you are playing inside or out depending on the temperature and the conditions aren’t always the best, but you got to play with what you have and just be focused and not let distractions get in the way.”

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