FSU Volleyball Advances To NCAA D2 Midwest Regional Championship Match For Fifth-Straight Year!

Postgame Press Conference 

ST. LOUIS — The Ferris State University women's volleyball squad advanced to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Championship match for the fifth consecutive year, sweeping Rockhurst (Mo.) in straight sets, 25-17, 25-20, 25-21, on Friday (Dec. 5) in the regional semifinals at the Mark Twain Building in St. Louis.

With the win, Ferris State will take on eighth-seeded Indianapolis in the regional final on Saturday (Dec. 6) at 6 p.m. (ET) with a berth in the NCAA D2 Elite Eight and the national quarterfinals on the line.

The Bulldogs posted a strong .314 hitting percentage in the victory, compiling 45 kills and a total of seven team blocks. Rockhurst managed 35 kills and committed 19 errors, resulting in only a .165 hitting percentage.

The first set began with a service error from the Hawks' Abby Boyd, giving the Bulldogs the initial point. Rockhurst responded with a service ace by Lauren Lopez and maintained a brief lead at 3-1. Ferris State's Lyndsey Urick and Gabby Piazza consistently contributed with kills, keeping the score tight. A kill by Emily May from Hayley Wegener assisted in reclaiming the lead for the Bulldogs at 5-4. FSU then pulled ahead, capitalizing on Rockhurst's errors and strong offensive plays by Piazza and Urick, extending the lead to 12-6. Despite a kill by Alyssa McDonald for Rockhurst, the Bulldogs closed the set at 25-17 with a decisive kill by Piazza, assisted by Wegener.

Ferris State capitalized on early errors by Rockhurst to establish a solid lead in the second set. An attack error by Sarah Pyle followed by a series of kills, including contributions from Piazza and Urick, helped FSU to a 5-1 advantage. Wegener consistently set up her teammates, assisting several key points, including a kill by May that made it 19-13. Despite a late push from the Hawks, highlighted by kills from Pyle and Lexi Theis, Ferris State maintained the lead. The set concluded with a block by Urick and May, securing a 25-20 win for the Bulldogs.

FSU took control early in the third set, capitalizing on multiple Rockhurst errors to establish a quick 5-0 lead. Piazza was instrumental, contributing several key kills including one at 13-8 that maintained the Bulldogs' edge. May continued to find the floor, adding crucial points to keep Ferris State ahead. Despite Rockhurst's efforts to close the gap, with Delaney Hope and McDonald providing offensive pressure, Ferris State held firm. Piazza's final kill sealed the set at 25-21, securing the victory for the Bulldogs.

May led Ferris State with 13 kills on 26 attempts, achieving a .500 hitting percentage. Wegener facilitated the offense with 35 assists while contributing five kills on 10 swings. Logyn Geren added to the attack with seven kills and registered two blocks. Piazza secured 12 kills and added two blocks, ending with 13.5 points.

McDonald led Rockhurst with nine kills on 23 attempts, achieving a .217 hitting percentage. Theis contributed efficiently with six kills from 13 attempts, boasting a .385 hitting percentage and adding a block assist. Hope recorded sevem kills and led the team defensively at the net with 2 total blocks. Mary Kate Mulvaney directed the offense with 13 assists, while Katie Vargo anchored the back row with 12 digs, handling 31 receptions.

The Bulldogs moved to 26-7 overall this year with the victory.