North Michigan News

Northern Michigan University's women's volleyball team lost to the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs in three sets on Saturday afternoon in Duluth, Minnesota. The match scores were 22-25, 22-25, and 23-25.

Freshman Kaylie McIntosh led all players with 15 kills, including seven in the opening set. This was the most kills by a Wildcat in a single set so far this season. Taylor Smaka contributed five service aces, tying for the second-most by a Northern Michigan player over the last two seasons.

Minnesota Duluth had eight blocks at the net and finished with a .280 attack percentage and 46 kills. Northern Michigan posted a .193 attack percentage with 42 kills. With this result, Northern Michigan's record dropped to 1-7 while Minnesota Duluth improved to 7-0.

The first set saw Duluth pull ahead with a 6-1 run to lead 15-10. McIntosh and Smaka helped narrow the gap, but UMD secured the final two points for a 25-22 win. In the second set, both teams exchanged runs before UMD closed it out at 25-22 despite efforts from McKenzie Gruner, who recorded three consecutive kills late in the frame.

In the third set, Northern Michigan went on a substantial 9-0 run to take a 17-10 lead with more aces from Smaka and kills from McIntosh. However, Minnesota Duluth responded by tying the score at 20 and ultimately winning the set and match.

Northern Michigan will begin GLIAC play next weekend on the road against Davenport on Friday, September 19 at 5 p.m.