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FUN ON 'MACK: NMU Volleyball, Soccer Compete
 This story was written by NMU Sports Information MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. - Two weekends before each of their respective regular seasons begin, the Northern Michigan University women's volleyball and soccer teams took to Michigan's premier tourist destination for exhibition action, as the Wildcats competed in the Match on the Mack against Central Michigan University in volleyball and Northwood University in soccer. Mackinac Island, accessible by a 16-minute ferry ride from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, welcomed a swarm of Green and Gold this past weekend, August 18-20. Accompanied by performances from the Theatre and Dance department, the athletic events each took place on Saturday, August 19. Volleyball vs. Central Michigan The volleyball team was first up, competing in its second consecutive Match on the Mack. Battling division I interstate foe Central Michigan in the small but booming Mackinac Island Gymnasium, the Wildcats played with energy and hung tough, but fell in three sets against the Chippewas (22-25, 20-25, 15-25). The Wildcats jumped out to an early five-point lead to start the first set, controlling all the momentum in the gym. The Chippewas would eventually tie up the set before scoring four straight points late in the set, putting it out of reach. The second set was an inverse of the first, with the Chippewas jumping out to an early lead and the Wildcats clawing back to tie it up, but another late-set run for the Chippewas put it away once again. Set three saw the Chippewas step on the gas and not look back, as the extra week of practice and conditioning paid dividends for the Maroon and Gold. Jacqueline Smith paced the 'Cats with 11 kills while Lauren Van Remortel had 19 assists and Caylie Barlage recorded eight digs. Krystina Kasson and Abby Olin combined for 19 kills for CMU. Mike Lozier on Match on the Mack: "The Mackinac Island trip delivered yet again. Being able to have two full days on the island with the team, and other members of the university was so amazing. We cannot thank everyone who helped make this weekend possible enough. The experience these student-athletes had will no doubt be remembered forever." Photo Gallery | Box Score Women's Soccer vs. Northwood Later in the afternoon, the NMU women's soccer team took the nearly 30-minute hike up the island to Great Turtle Park's soccer field, passing by bicyclists, horse-drawn carriages, and residential neighborhoods along the way. After carrying the momentum and dominating the chances early on, Northwood scored in the 14th minute after senior forward Juliana Paoletti soared a quality ball to the far corner of the net over the keeper. NMU had several looks to get the equalizer before the halftime horn, but two hit crossbars from Calihan Bearden and Kenna Alexander were all the Wildcats were able to manage. Northwood held that 1-0 edge into halftime. It didn't take long for Calihan Bearden to find the back of the net in the second half. Off a corner kick from Brooke Pieitla, an ensuing scramble in the box found Bearden with the ball on her foot near the goal line and she punched it in to knot the game at one. The Wildcats presented themselves with plenty of opportunities down the stretch, including a beautifully delivered ball that hit the crossbar in the dying seconds of the match, but were unable to score again in what ultimately ended up a 1-1 draw against the Timberwolves. The Wildcats had eight corners in the match to Northwood's four. It was an impressive turnout for soccer as well, seeing several hundred fans make the journey into the middle of the island to watch the Wildcats and Timberwolves on the pitch. Laura Wayland on Match on the Mack" "NMU on the Mack was a very memorable experience for our student-athletes. They were able to experience so much of what Mackinac Island has to offer while also celebrating our arts and athletic programs. We are also very appreciative to all those who dedicated their time into making the events happen for our student-athletes." |
