Great Lakes Wire

Northern Michigan University's women's volleyball team achieved its fifth consecutive victory after a five-set win over Michigan Tech on Thursday night at the SDC Gymnasium in Houghton, Michigan.

The Wildcats faced a 9-5 deficit in the final set but rallied with a 10-2 run to secure a 15-11 win and take the match 3-2. The match began with Northern losing the first set 26-24 before coming back to win the next two sets, 25-19 and 25-18. Michigan Tech forced a fifth set by winning the fourth frame, but Northern Michigan closed out the match.

The team's defensive effort was notable, recording 90 digs for only the second time this season. Libero Liesl Haugen led with a career-best 38 digs, which is currently the highest in the GLIAC this season and ranks as the fifth-highest single-match total in Division II this year.

At the net, NMU recorded a season-high of 10 blocks. Emilia Gulock contributed three blocks while McKenzie Gruner added two. Offensively, Northern posted its best performance of the season with 65 kills. Freshman Kaylie McIntosh led all players with a career-high 19 kills and hit .500 for her rivalry debut.

"I'm very proud of the way our team was able to stay focused and composed during tight moments, especially when we were a little shaky at the start of the fifth," said McIntosh. "The loud atmosphere at Tech was so much fun to play in, and I had absolutely no doubt we were going to close out the match at the end!"

Other contributors included Kaysie Bakke and Gulock with 13 kills each, while Gruner added another dozen. Allie Barlow directed play from setter position, finishing with a season-high 57 assists.

This win mirrors last year's result against Michigan Tech where NMU also won in five sets after trailing early in Houghton.

With this victory, Northern Michigan's record improves to 6-9 on the season.

Next up for NMU is an away game against Purdue Northwest Pride scheduled for Saturday, October 11 at Hammond, Indiana.