FSU Volleyball Drops Weekend Opener In Five Sets At Northern Michigan

Marquette, Mich. - Northern Michigan University edged Ferris State University in a tightly contested five-set women's volleyball match on Friday (Nov. 7) at Vandament Arena, claiming a 26-24, 21-25, 27-25, 13-25, 16-14 victory.

The Bulldogs recorded 74 kills and 93 digs throughout the match, showcasing a strong offensive and defensive effort. Despite their 15 total blocks, the Wildcats managed to secure the win with a narrow margin in the final set.

Ferris State began the first set with strong momentum, establishing a 4-0 lead highlighted by an ace from Hayley Wegener. The Wildcats responded with a series of plays, including a kill by McKenzie Gruner, to level the score at 6-6. The teams traded points throughout the set, with Sydney Bartels from Northern Michigan making a significant impact, tying the score at 19-19 with consecutive kills. Ferris State regained a brief lead at 23-22 courtesy of a kill by Gabby Piazza, but the Wildcats closed out the set with a key block by Gruner and Allie Barlow, securing a 26-24 victory.

Northern Michigan began the second set with a service ace by Barlow, but the Bulldogs quickly responded with a kill from Emily May, leveling the score at 1-1. A service ace by Alana Deshetsky helped Ferris State to a 2-1 lead, but the Wildcats countered with a string of points, including three consecutive kills by Gruner, to pull ahead 7-6. Ferris State regained momentum with a series of kills and blocks, including a key kill by Lillian Peterson and a block by Wegener, building a 19-17 edge. Despite a service error by Northern Michigan's Taylor Smaka, the set concluded with the Bulldogs securing a 25-21 victory, capitalized by a service error from Northern Michigan.

In the decisive third set, the Wildcats took an early lead, capitalizing on a block by Emilia Gulock and Kaysie Bakke to score the opening point against Ferris State. Gruner added to the momentum with a kill, assisted by Barlow, extending their lead to 2-0. Ferris State responded with a kill by May to narrow the gap to 2-1. However, Northern Michigan maintained their edge, with Bartels and Madison York contributing critical points, pushing the score to 7-5. The Bulldogs fought back to level the score at 20-20, thanks to a series of kills from Piazza and Logyn Geren. The teams exchanged points into a tense finale, reaching a 25-25 deadlock after an error by Bakke. Northern Michigan then clinched the set with a kill from Bartels and an attack error by Geren, securing a 27-25 victory.

Ferris State dominated the fourth set against the Wildcats, securing a decisive 25-13 victory. The Bulldogs jumped to a commanding lead with a 7-1 scoring run, highlighted by kills from Maddy Vaara and May, and a service ace by Hope Davies. Ferris State extended its lead to 12-2, capitalizing on Northern Michigan's attack errors and another ace from Jasmine Wellet. Rhiannon Robertson and Piazza were instrumental in maintaining the momentum, each contributing key kills and blocks. The set concluded with a block by Geren and Piazza, sealing Ferris State's victory.

The fifth set between the Bulldogs and the Wildcats was tightly contested, with Northern Michigan ultimately securing a 16-14 victory. Ferris State initially struggled with a service error from Wegener, allowing Northern Michigan to take a 2-0 lead. A service ace by Lauren Cardwell extended Northern Michigan's advantage. The Bulldogs responded with kills from Piazza and May, narrowing the gap to 3-5. Emma Bleecher's service ace helped Ferris State level the score at 9-9, before Northern Michigan pulled ahead again with key plays from Bartels and York. Despite Ferris State's efforts to tie the set at 14-14 with a block by Vaara and May, a kill by Gruner and another from Bartels clinched the set and match for Northern Michigan.

May recorded 18 kills on 48 attempts, contributing significantly to her total of 20 points. Geren posted 14 kills while leading the team in blocks with seven and amassing 17.5 points. Wegener facilitated the offense with 55 assists and added five blocks. Piazza tallied 17 kills and four blocks, finishing with 19.5 points.

Gruner led Northern Michigan with a formidable presence at the net, registering a team-high seven total blocks and contributing 20 points overall. Barlow orchestrated the offense effectively, amassing 50 assists while also adding three service aces and four blocks. Bartels showcased her all-around skills, collecting 21 kills at a .278 hitting percentage and leading the defense with 15 digs, accumulating 23 points in total. Meanwhile, York added strength to the attack with 14 kills and two blocks, contributing 15 points.

The Bulldogs hold a 19-6 overall record and are 11-3 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. FSU is currently midst a three-way tie for first place in the league standings.

FSU will visit Michigan Tech on Saturday (Nov. 8) to close out its weekend trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Match time is set for 2 p.m. (ET) in Houghton.