Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) Wildcats volleyball team is set to conclude its six-game homestand at Vandament Arena this weekend. The team will face Michigan Tech on Thursday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a match against Roosevelt on Friday, October 11, also at 6:30 p.m.

The Wildcats recently secured victories against Saginaw Valley and Lake Superior State, entering the weekend with a record of 9-4 overall and 5-1 in conference play. Michigan Tech follows closely with an 8-5 overall record and 4-2 in conference play. Thursday's match will be broadcast on Fox-UP with commentary from Mark Evans and Dave Ellis. The event is designated as a Green Out for Mental Health Awareness in collaboration with Hilinski's Hope.

NMU will meet Roosevelt for the first time since the latter joined the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Roosevelt currently holds a record of 1-13 and is winless in conference play.

Head Coach Mike Lozier expressed satisfaction with recent performances: "Getting a sweep at home was huge for us and we are really proud of Jacqui for breaking a 30-year record…We've had some memorable matchups (with Michigan Tech), and we have to be ready to go. They've never been in our gym and we have to use that to our advantage."

Jacqueline Smith recently broke NMU's all-time kills record, surpassing Andrea Gommans' previous mark of 1,664 set in 1993. Smith has achieved double-digit kills in all but one match this season and ranks second in the GLIAC with 207 kills. She also reached her milestone of 1,000 career digs earlier this season.

Allie Barlow leads GLIAC setters with 516 assists while ranking second in aces with 24. Liesl Haugen leads NMU defensively with 199 digs, placing her third in the GLIAC. McKenzie Gruner and Meghan Meyer contributed significantly over the past weekend, combining for a total of 38 kills.

Michigan Tech enters the matchup led by junior Meg Raabe and sophomore Amelia Ambers, who have recorded significant kill numbers throughout their matches this season. Meanwhile, Roosevelt aims to end its current losing streak after securing only one win this season against Malone.