McKenzie Gruner, Senior Player | Northern Michigan Wildcats Women's Volleyball
McKenzie Gruner, Senior Player | Northern Michigan Wildcats Women's Volleyball
Northern Michigan University’s athletic teams saw a mix of results across several sports during the week of September 29 to October 5, 2025.
In men’s hockey, the Wildcats faced No. 15 UMass in their season-opening series, falling 5-3 on Saturday and 4-1 on Sunday. Goaltender William Gramme set multiple program records in his debut, making 65 saves in the first game, surpassing the previous single-game record held since 1984. He was one save away from matching a modern NCAA regulation game record and also broke the school mark for most saves in a period with 34. The team held a third-period lead before UMass scored twice and added an empty-net goal. Gramme made another 42 saves on Sunday, setting a new NMU record for saves in a weekend series with 107.
The football team lost to Saginaw Valley State University, 47-25. Despite outscoring SVSU in the second half, Northern Michigan could not overcome a large deficit created by SVSU's strong second quarter. NMU recorded three touchdowns during the game.
On the volleyball court, Northern Michigan earned two road wins: a five-set victory at Saginaw Valley State and a straight-set sweep at Lake Superior State. Senior McKenzie Gruner led with career-high performances in both matches, tallying at least 13 kills for her fourth consecutive match. The team’s offense posted its best hitting percentage of the season against Saginaw Valley.
Women’s soccer secured a late comeback win over Ferris State (2-1) with two goals from Hannah Kastamo and drew Saginaw Valley (3-3) after holding an early lead but conceding three late goals.
Men’s soccer defeated St. Cloud State University 2-0. Luca Rosen converted a penalty kick for NMU’s first goal, while Ian Weimer added another late in the match following sustained offensive pressure. Goalkeeper Asaf Kristal registered his fourth shutout of the season.
Both swim and dive teams started their seasons strongly against St. Cloud State University, Davenport University, and Lake Superior State University. The women’s team claimed first place in every event over two days of competition and secured most podium spots available each day. The men’s team also won most events across both days and swept certain disciplines such as the 100 free.
In men’s golf at the Motor City Shakedown tournament, Northern Michigan finished fourth out of five teams with a three-round total of +57 (921 strokes). The Wildcats were close to entering their program's top ten best scores for three rounds and matched historical marks for birdies made during tournament play. Tyler Annala led NMU individually, finishing fourteenth overall after opening with six birdies in his first round.
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