Both matches go five sets
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team split a pair of five-set matches on Friday at the Mountain Lion Classic. The Huskies opened the day with a win over St. Edward’s and fell to South Dakota Mines in the evening match. Tech is now 3-4 on the season and wraps up the trip Saturday against Midwestern State.
Michigan Tech 3, St. Edward’s 2
The Huskies opened the day with a 3-2 victory over St. Edward’s from Austin, Texas. Tech won 25-18 in the first set, before the Hilltoppers took the next two 25-18 and 25-16. The Huskies forced a fifth set after a lengthy 29-27 win in the fourth and then earned the win with a 15-8 victory in the decisive fifth.
“We are so proud to have earned an incredibly hard-fought five-set win this morning,” Tech coach Cindy Pindral said. “Our offense started out very hot, then we had trouble continuing that trend through sets two and three. Credit to St. Edward’s for scouting us well and putting a lot of pressure on our block and defense. A few huge momentum-shifting plays sparked a big battle in the fourth set, and our captains did a great job of inspiring a sense of belief that we can give ourselves a chance in this match. Rachel delivered a massive kill to start the fifth set, and we played great ball to close it out.
“This win means so much for our confidence, as we have had so many five-setters end differently this season.”
Rachel Zurek hit .341 and led the Huskies with 17 kills. Paige Wagner hit .381 with 11 kills. Kayla Heinonen (13) and Reagan Lesley (11) also notched double-digit kills. Madelynn Kreider set the attack with 44 assists and added 10 digs. Keeley Nellis led the squad with 21 digs, and Amelia Albers added 11.
South Dakota Mines 3, Michigan Tech 2
The evening set scores were flipped for the Huskies from the morning. Mines won the first 25-22, before Tech won 25-19 in the second and 25-21 in the third. The Rockers forced a fifth set after a 25-20 victory in the fourth and then won in extra points in the fifth, 17-15. The match had 33 ties and 13 lead changes.
“It was another epic 5-set match. Apparently we like to give our fans their money’s worth,” added Pindral. “We played very well and battled hard against a very talented SD Mines team, who I imagine will knock off quite a few teams in their conference this year. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to close it out tonight, but we learned so much about how tough we can be. We will regroup for what should be another tough contest tomorrow.”
Rachel Zurek continued her strong play, tallying a career-best 24 kills while hitting .310. Paige Wagner also had a career-high 15 kills and hit .419. Kayla Heinonen (14), Tricia Kennedy (11), and Reagan Lesley (10) also hit double figures in kills. Madelynn Kreider hit the 60-assist mark for the second time in her career, tallying 62 assists and adding 12 digs. Keeley Nellis (14), Brynn Erickson (12), Amelia Albers (12), and Kayla Heinonen (10) also hit double figures in digs.
Tech wraps up the weekend in Colorado on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, playing Midwestern State.
