This story, photio courtesy of NMU Sports Infotrmation
MARQUETTE, Mich. – It was an exciting return to Vandament Arena on Friday evening for the Northern Michigan volleyball team, as the Wildcats outlasted the Grand Valley State Lakers in a five-set thriller, 25-23, 26-24, 17-25, 23-25, and 15-12.
The Wildcats jumped ahead 2-0 and looked poised for a sweep after building an early 4-1 lead to begin the third, but the Lakers fought back to win the next two sets and force a decisive fifth. NMU led 8-4 as the teams switched sides in the final frame, but the Lakers rallied again to even the score at 8-8. From there, the two teams traded points, tying three more times, before the 'Cats closed it out with the final three points, capped by a thunderous match-ending block that perfectly reflected Northern's dominance at the net throughout the night
Despite Grand Valley entering as the GLIAC's top-blocking team, it was the Wildcats who set the tone at the net, posting a season-high 15 blocks, five more than their previous best this season and their highest total since 2017. The effort at the point of attack helped Northern flip the script against one of the league's best.
Leading the charge were Kaysie Bakke and McKenzie Gruner, who each recorded four blocks. Emilia Gulock, Madison York, and Kaylie McIntosh all contributed at least two more, rounding out a true team effort on defense.
Offensively, the Wildcats spread the wealth with three players reaching double-digit kills. McIntosh led the way with 15, followed closely by Bakke with 14 and Gruner with 13. The balanced attack kept the Laker defense guessing, as Allie Barlow dished out 48 assists to guide NMU to a .162 hitting percentage on 61 total kills. Grand Valley's Meghan O'Sullivan led all players with 17 kills.
"I am so incredibly proud of our team after yet another gritty five-setter at home," said assistant coach Lauren Van Remortel. "This win was not by luck. It was a culmination of the hard work put in over the last few months. We have another amazing opportunity against a great opponent tomorrow, and we can't wait. Go 'Cats!"
The win marks six straight GLIAC victories for the Wildcats, improving their record to 6-2 and pulling them even with the Lakers (7-2) in the loss column.
It also snapped a five-match skid against Grand Valley.
