This story is courtesy of NMU Sports Information

MARQUETTE---The Northern Michigan volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 deficit to top rival Michigan Tech in five sets Tuesday night at Vandament Arena in its home opener.

The Wildcats sealed their comeback victory by winning the fifth set, 15-12. In that set, after the Huskies pulled within a single point at 10-9, Bridget Bussell posted her 19th kill of the match to regain a two-point cushion and swing the momentum back in Northern Michigan's favor.

Marta Fraga Guntin, who posted four of her seven kills in the final frame, scored the final point of the match, sending the ball just over a block and into empty space.

"I'm extremely proud of how the players came back after sets one and two," head coach Dominic Yoder said. "We struggled with serve receive in those sets, and our back line responded and were rock solid the rest of the way to help our offense run more smoothly. This is a big win for us." 

Michigan Tech jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind 25-17 and 25-18 victories. The Huskies consistently kept the Wildcats off balance and posted seven of their nine service aces during those frames.

The first two sets began similarly. In the first, with the teams tied at five, Michigan Tech went on a 6-0 run to build an 11-5 advantage and never allowed Northern Michigan back within four. In the second, the Huskies raced out to a 4-0 lead and had the Wildcats doubled up, at 10-5, before long.

Northern Michigan erased a six-point deficit to take the third set, 25-23. With Michigan Tech up, 24-18, the Wildcats forced the fourth set by winning the next seven points, highlighted by two kills by Madison Whiteheadand a solo block by Fraga Guntin.

Northern Michigan carried the momentum from that comeback into the fourth set, building an early 10-5 lead. The Huskies chipped away at that advantage and used a 6-0 run to pull within one, at 16-15. The Wildcats responded with a 7-1 run of their own to pull ahead, 23-16, en route to their 25-23 victory.

Northern Michigan's fifth set victory was set up by an early 4-0 run. With Michigan Tech ahead, 6-5, the Wildcats proceed to win the next four on four-straight kills, including three with Rachel Braunschweig serving. While the Huskies would draw back within one, it wouldn't be enough.

Bussell's 19 kills led all players. Whitehead also reached the double digits with 17 kills.

Megan Dahl (17), Fraga Guntin (14) and Autumn Monsma (10) reached the double digits in digs. Jami Hogeboom recorded 57 assists; it was her fifth 50-assist effort this season and the ninth of her career.

"I'm very proud of Jami," Yoder said. "She was all over the floor, and it was good to see her settle in and run our offense. Offensively, Madison and Bridget were tremendous for us. Seeing Marta and Autumn comeback in terms of serve reception and defense was great as well."

Northern Michigan, now 9-6 (3-2 GLIAC) on the season, next welcomes Wayne State (Friday, 7 p.m.) and Findlay (Saturday, 2 p.m.) to Vandament Arena.