Career high 27 kills in close victory over Truman State
MANKATO, Minn. – Four-time All-GLIAC First Teamer Jacqueline Smith posted a career-high 27 kills to power the NMU Volleyball team to a five-set thriller over Truman State on Friday night, with set scores of 25-20, 25-22, 14-25, 25-27, and 15-13.
Smith surpassed her previous career mark of 25 kills set in 2022 against Grand Valley State. The fifth-year senior recorded 10 kills in the fourth set, already the second time she notched a double-digit kill performance in one set this season, and closed it out with five more in the deciding set.
“I am incredibly proud of the guts the team showed, especially when momentum was not on our side,” said coach Mike Lozier following the match. “The players on the bench were giving so much energy and willing the team to victory. Finally, I need to give a shout out to Jacqui. Unbelievable performance. Stepped up when we needed her.”
The Wildcats started out hot, jumping ahead 5-1 in the opening set. Northern would extend the lead to as much as 13-7, but Truman hung around, closing the gap to two on a few occasions. Up 23-20, Allie Barlow and McKenzie Gruner posted kills to close out a 25-20 first set win.
The Bulldogs returned the favor to start the second set, leading 5-0 out of the gate. NMU continued to chip away as the set progressed and finally broke through late, scoring four straight after trailing 20-19 to lead 23-20, including a first career kill from Madison York. Gruner would play the role as the closer again, recording two kills to secure a 25-22 win in the second.
Truman controlled the third set, scoring the first three and never trailing. The ‘Cats would get the first point in the fourth to set the tone, but the TSU battled back to tie the score at 18-18. The Bulldogs did grab the lead, but the Wildcats fought right back with kills from Smith. Tied 24-24 and 25-25, Truman squeezed out the final two points to even the score.
NMU came out firing in the final frame, led by senior Jacqui Smith with two kills in the first four points to lead 4-0 early. She would go on to record five in the final to help Northern power through for a five-set thriller.
Smith wasn’t the only one to post a career-high night. Allie Barlow’s 50 assists was a personal best, as well as Kaysie Bakke upping her previous kill-high set earlier in the day from seven to eight.
The Green and Gold hit .188 as a team to Truman’s .176. The team recorded 13 blocks on the night, led by four from McKenzie Gruner.
The Wildcats improved to 2-0 on the young season with the win, while Truman State fell to 0-3.
Up Next
The Wildcats will play twice again tomorrow, matching up with Upper Iowa at 11 a.m. and finishing out the Maverick Invite against host Minnesota State at 3 p.m.
