Ferris State Volleyball Caps Unbeaten Week With Sweep Over Purdue Northwest

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's volleyball squad capped off an unbeaten week by sweeping Purdue Northwest 25-19, 25-18, 25-22 on Saturday (Oct. 25) evening inside Bulldog Arena.

The Bulldogs delivered a strong performance, highlighted by nine service aces and 52 digs, to secure the straight-set victory. The Pride managed 36 kills, but couldn't overcome the Bulldogs' efficient attack, which posted a .330 hitting percentage.

Ferris State opened the first set strong, with Emily May delivering the initial point through a kill assisted by Hope Davies. Purdue Northwest responded with a balanced attack, but errors began to shift the momentum. The Bulldogs capitalized on Purdue Northwest's attack errors and service mistakes, extending their lead to 12-6. Key plays included two service aces by Davies and solid defensive blocks by Emma Bleecher and Logyn Geren. Despite a late push from PNW, Ferris State maintained its advantage. Gabby Piazza sealed the set with a decisive kill, assisted by Hayley Wegener, to secure a 25-19 victory.

Piazza was instrumental for Ferris State in the second set, securing multiple kills, including the opening point and a key one to extend the lead to 19-12. The Pride kept pace early on with kills from Kennedy Rowzee and Anika Huelskamp, but service errors hindered their momentum. May and Geren contributed crucial points for the Bulldogs, while Corrie Wisser's service ace concluded the set. The Bulldogs took the set 25-18, maintaining their lead with consistent offensive plays and capitalizing on opponent errors.

Piazza's offensive contributions were crucial in the third set, where she recorded multiple kills, including a sequence of three consecutive points to build momentum for the Bulldogs. The Pride capitalized on some attack errors by Ferris State, managing to level the score at 21-21 with key plays from Rowzee and Allyson Cathey. However, the Bulldogs responded, with May securing the final set point on a kill from Wegener, clinching the set 25-22. Ferris State's effective serving, including service aces from Davies and Alana Deshetsky, further bolstered their performance in this tightly contested set.

Piazza led the team with 17 kills on 32 attempts, contributing 18 points. Wegener recorded 29 assists while also adding six kills on nine attempts. Bleecher posted 11 digs and contributed six kills. Wisser excelled at the service line, delivering four aces during the match.

Rowzee led the Pride with a .471 hitting percentage, recording nine kills on 17 attempts and contributing four total blocks. Huelskamp added 10 kills and 10 digs, accumulating 11 points while maintaining a .241 hitting percentage. Cathey impressed with a .292 hitting percentage, tallying nine kills and one dig. Marina Gronkiewicz facilitated the offense with 29 assists and added seven digs in three games.

The Bulldogs are now 18-4 overall record and 10-1 in GLIAC play. FSU has won its last 11 matches in a row.

Ferris State will visit Wayne State on Friday (Oct. 31) for a 7 p.m. (ET) league encounter in Detroit before taking on Grand Valley State on Saturday (Nov. 1) starting at 3 p.m. (ET) in Allendale.