Wildcats recorded 13 points on aces
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan volleyball team picked up a big win on Thursday night, tying a season-high with 13 aces to help secure a four-set victory over rival Michigan Tech at Vandament Arena, 22-25, 25-23, 25-17, and 25-15.
Julia Bouma led the way with five aces, followed by four from Allie Barlow. Northern now leads the GLIAC with 112 service aces.
The Wildcats also hit its third-best percentage this season, .285. Jacqueline Smith paced the match with 18 kills hitting .333, while a balanced attack followed with McKenzie Gruner adding eight on a .583 clip, Meghan Meyer contributing eight more herself, Helein Beiring chipping in seven, and Kaysie Bakke recording six. Allie Barlow recorded 43 aces while Liesl Haugen notched 17 digs defensively.
“I’m so proud of the team,” said Kaysie Bakke following the win. “We were playing together, and everyone was doing their job. It is awesome to see some things we have been working on come together against a quality opponent. We are excited for more opportunities to keep getting better!”
The Huskies began the match with a win in set one 25-22. NMU used a few 3-0 runs sandwiched by long exchanges of point-for-point to build a lead of 17-11. Michigan Tech came back and eventually pulled even at 21’s. The Huskies finished it with a block and kill to open with a win, edging NMU in hitting percentage .242 to .171.
NMU came out in set two on a five-point run featuring three straight aces from Allie Barlow, before MTU elected to take a timeout. The Wildcats continued to pressure, producing another five-point run leading to a Tech timeout at 16-11. The team was able to maintain its lead, with crucial kills from McKenzie Gruner before the Huskies again fought back to level the score at 20-20. Late in the set, the teams went back-and-forth trading points leading into set point. A kill from Kaysie Bakke paired with two aces from Julia Bouma wrapped the set up in favor of the ‘Cats at 25-23. NMU notched an impressive seven aces throughout the set.
The ‘Cats built on its momentum and came out victorious again in set three, 25-17. Helen Beiring contributed on both sides of the ball, recording three kills on the set paired with multiple blocks. Jacqueline Smith added four kills. The teams exchanged points throughout the set, but the ‘Cats were able to keep the lead throughout the majority. The final point of the set came in the form of a kill from Smith, winning 25-17. NMU added four more aces and hit .333.
The Wildcats came out in the fourth set with five quick points, leading to a Tech timeout. With the strong opening, NMU was able to march forward with the lead. Allie Barlow was a key piece for the Wildcats offensively in the set with three kills, as well as seven assists. NMU was able to wrap-up set four 25-15 with a kill from Meghan Meyer, securing the match win.
It was the third triumph in the last four for Northern against its UP rival, and the first in the new Vandament Arena. The Green and Gold improved to 10-4 (6-1 GLIAC) while dropping Michigan Tech to 8-6 (4-3 GLIAC).
Up Next
The Wildcats will return to Vandament Arena on Friday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. to match up against the newest addition to the GLIAC, Roosevelt.
