Great Lakes Wire

Northern Michigan University's volleyball team faces a challenging week as they prepare for three important matches. The Wildcats will travel to face Michigan Tech on Wednesday, October 30, before returning home to play against Purdue Northwest and Parkside on November 1 and 2, respectively.

After experiencing two losses last weekend, NMU aims to improve their standing in the conference and secure a spot to host a postseason quarterfinal match at Vandament Arena. Currently tied for third place with a record of 13-7 overall and 7-3 in the conference, they are competing against Michigan Tech (11-9, 5-5), Purdue Northwest (8-12, 4-6), and Parkside (9-11, 5-5) for postseason positioning.

The match against Michigan Tech will be broadcast locally on FOX-UP and GRIT TV. Coach Mike Lozier acknowledged the challenge ahead: "Michigan Tech will be ready to go and they've had our number historically in that building."

On Saturday, during the game against Parkside, NMU will honor its senior players Caylie Barlage, Julia Bouma, Meghan Meyer, Jacqueline Smith, and Olivia Webber. This group has collectively contributed significantly over their tenure at NMU.

Key players include Allie Barlow who leads conference setters with 796 assists this season and was named GLIAC Setter of the Week on October 21. Jacqueline Smith recently broke NMU's all-time kills record and is second in the league with 294 kills this season.

Michigan Tech's recent performance includes losses to Wayne State and Grand Valley State. Junior Meg Raabe leads their attack with 261 kills this season. Purdue Northwest comes into the match after three consecutive wins. Their offense is led by junior Arra Cottrell with 271 kills. Meanwhile, Parkside also enters after winning two games last weekend; sophomore Sam Fisch leads their attack with 288 kills.