Yancy leads Huskies with 15 kills
DULUTH, Minn. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team opened its weekend at the Up North Tournament with a 3-2 loss at Minnesota Duluth on Thursday. The teams traded set wins with the Bulldogs taking the fifth 15-9 to remain undefeated.
“I’m so proud of the team for battling the way we did this evening,” Tech coach Cindy Pindral said. “We did a good job of executing our game plan and playing with poise. There were just a few moments where we let up, and they were able to swing the momentum their way. We learned a lot from this match and will continue to chip away at improving all-around.”
The Huskies (2-2) jumped out to the lead after 25-19 win in set one. Jacqueline Yancy and Rachel Zurek had four kills each as Tech held UMD to .030 hitting percentage.
UMD (5-0) tied it up in the second 25-22 after seven ties and four lead changes in the frame. The Bulldogs used a 7-0 run late in the set to take command.
Tech won the third 25-22, using a balanced attack that saw four different Huskies with at least three kills. Tricia Kennedy had a block for set point and then a kill for the winner.
The home team forced the fifth set after hitting .323 and holding the Huskies to .028 in the fourth. They had an early six-point lead and never looked back for the 25-15 win.
In the fifth, UMD never trailed after jumping out to a 5-0 lead. The Bulldogs hit .438 and forced the Huskies into .053.
“Tess set a nice match and gave our attackers quality opportunities to score,” added Pindral. “She continues to improve with each match and our setter-hitter connection will only get better from here as we learn how to balance our offense.
“Kudos to Jackie and Brooke for shouldering a high volume of serves their way and the majority of attacking attempts.”
Jacqueline Yancy tied a career-high with 15 kills, while Brooke Dzwik (12) and Rachel Zurek (10) were also in double figures offensively. Tess Hayes set the attack with 43 assists. Dzwik and Julia Fledderjohn tallied 16 digs each and Amelia Albers added 10. Tricia Kennedy had six block assists.
The Black and Gold continue the weekend in St. Cloud on Friday. The Huskies play No. 17 Barry at 12:30 p.m. Eastern and then the No. 10-ranked SCSU Huskies at 6:30 p.m.
