North Michigan News

Northern Michigan University's women's volleyball team defeated Lake Superior State University in straight sets on Saturday, winning 25-20, 25-19, and 25-11. The match took place in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and lasted one hour and fifteen minutes. With this result, the Wildcats extended their winning streak to four matches and have now beaten the Lakers eight times in a row.

Senior outside hitter McKenzie Gruner led Northern Michigan with 16 kills, marking her fourth consecutive match with at least 13 kills. She also contributed two blocks and maintained a .556 hitting percentage. Outside hitters Kaysie Bakke and Kaylie McIntosh added nine and seven kills respectively; McIntosh also recorded two service aces. Setter Allie Barlow provided 27 assists and three digs, while libero Liesl Haugen led the team defensively with 16 digs.

The Wildcats' performance included six service aces and five team blocks. Defensively, they held Lake Superior State to season lows by a Wildcat opponent in several categories: only 23 kills, a .059 hitting percentage, 35 digs, and one service ace.

"I am so proud the team for how we played today," said Haugen after the win. "We played clean and collected and there wasn't a moment when I thought we weren't gonna win."

With this victory, Northern Michigan improved its record to 4-2 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play. Lake Superior State dropped to 0-6 in conference matches.

In the first set, both teams were tied at 12 before Northern Michigan went on a five-point run led by Gruner's kills. The Wildcats secured the set despite a late push from the Lakers. In the second set, early runs from Bakke and Gruner helped NMU build an insurmountable lead. The third set saw another strong start from Gruner and Bakke as NMU quickly pulled ahead for a decisive win.

Northern Michigan will continue its road trip next weekend with a match against Michigan Tech on Thursday, October 9.