Zurek leads MTU with 20 kills, Kreider has 69 assists
HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team continued its quality play at the SDC Gym, defeating Davenport 3-2 on Friday evening. The Huskies improved to 4-2 on their homecourt, winning 23-25, 25-17, 25-22, 22-25, and 15-11.
“This was a great win for us on our homecourt, both in terms of standings and for our team’s confidence,” Tech coach Cindy Pindral said. “We have been working very hard in practice to improve our resiliency and to create opportunities where we can score our own points. Everyone came to play today, and we are very happy with the result.”
The match lasted two hours and 16 minutes and had a total of 36 ties and 12 lead changes.
In the fifth, the Huskies built an early three-point lead and never let the Panthers get closer than two. The final five points were all scored on errors with Tech scoring three of the final four for the 15-11 win. Four Huskies had at least two kills in the last set, and Tech hit .360.
After falling in the first set, the Huskies bounced back with back-to-back wins to take the lead. Tech hit .255 in the second and put down 18 kills. Rachel Zurek had seven, and Amelia Albers had 10 digs defensively.
Tied at 21 in the third, the Huskies scored three of the final four points to take the lead. Tricia Kennedy’s blocking provided the clutch points with a solo block, immediately followed by back-to-back block assists. Madelyn Torola and Rachel Zurek combined for eight kills in the third.
Davenport (11-13, 7-6 GLIAC) forced a fifth set after winning 25-22 in the fourth. Abby Alan had six kills for the Panthers.
“Tricia had a career night with kills and blocks, and so many of those came in clutch moments,” added Pindral. “She has been so consistent all season and makes big plays when we need them.
“Maddy Kreider was excellent with her set distribution, location, and strategy. She sees the game so well and plays to win.”
Rachel Zurek (20), Tricia Kennedy (13), Paige Wagner (13), Brooke Dzwik (13), and Madelyn Torola (12) were all in double figures in kills. Madelyn Kreider set the attack with 69 assists. Six Huskies had double-digit digs: Julia Fledderjohn (26), Amelia Albers (23), Brooke Dzwik (19), Madelynn Kreider (13), Rachel Zurek (11), and Paige Wagner (10).
Tech continues the four-match home stand and wraps up the weekend on Saturday at 2 p.m. against No. 18 Ferris State.
